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MEMOEIAL 



OF THE 



City and County Hall 



OPENING CEEEMONIES, 



BUFFALO, N. Y. 



Edited and Published by F. F. Fargo. 






BUFFALO, N. Y. : 

THE COUEIER COMPANY, PRINTERS. 

18 76. 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1876, by 

FEANCIS F. FARGO, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 






TO 



JAMES M. SMITH, 
PHILIP BECKER. 
JAMES ADAMS, 
ALLEN POTTER, 
JOHN NICE, 



GEORGE S. WARD WELL, 
DENNIS BOWEN, 
GEORGE W. HAYWARD, 
ALBERT P. LANING, 
JASPER B. YOUNGS, 



BOARD OF COMraSSIONBRS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OP THE 



CITY AND COUNTY HALL, 



BUFFALO, N. T.^ 



thbottgh whose goob judgment, practical knowledge, and economical 
management, as well as by whose untiring effort and unselfish 
devotion to the public interest, the people — as is confi- 
dently believed — have secured a building at 
less cost than has been expended for any 
similar structure in this country, 
this work is most respect- 
fully inscribed by 

The Publisheb. 



PREFATORY 



Usage has sanctioned the well established ciistom of commemo- 
rating important events, whether occurring in the life of individuals, 
or the history of nations. The completion of the City and County 
Hall of Buffalo, is no ordinary occurrence for the people of Erie 
County. The object of this volume is to present to the public a 
compilation, arranged in convenient form, for reference and preser- 
vation, of such facts and papers as. were developed on the occasion 
of the completion of the building. They consist of an elaborate 
description of the Hall, a history of its construction, an authentic 
account of the ceremonies observed in its formal opening and 
the valuable and highly interesting historical papers which were 
suggested and prepared in connection with its dedication and oc- 
ciipancy, by distinguished citizens, and old residents of Buffalo. 
The work also contains an impressive sermon by Eev. Dr. Heacock, 
especially addressed to the legal profession. An appendix is added, 
containing the civil list of the City of Buffalo, and the County of 
Erie, from their organization to the present time, together with 
other historical and statistical data of great value and interest to * 
all who are concerned in the local affairs of the City and County. 
A beautiful and truthful engraving of the Hall, covering two pages, 
adds largely to the value of the work, and the diagrams of the 
several stories convey a correct knowledge of the internal arrange- 
ment of the structure. 

Trusting that these pages will, in some measure, subserve the 
purpose of their design, in placing within the reach of every resident 
of the City and County, a record of an important local event in this 
the Nation's Centennial Year, they are submitted to the iudgment 
of the public. F. F.. P. 

Buffalo, April, 1876. 



CONTENTS. 



Introductory : 

Historical Sketch of Western New York and Founding of Buffalo, . 7 

City and County Hall : 

Its Inception — Tlie Commissioners — Estimated cost — The Architect — Pro- 
gress of the work — Contracts for materials — Plan of the Hall — Diagrams 
of the several floors — Laying the corner stone — Oration of Judge Clinton 
— Description of the stone — The contents of the box deposited — The stat- 
ues — The tower clock — The total cost, 9 

From the Old Buildings to the New Hall : 

Action of the Council — Judge Clinton's proposition — Proceedings of Bar 
Meetings — Historical Papers of Hon. George R. Babcock and Judges 
Sheldon and Smith — Speech of Judge Clinton, ........ 40 

Adieu to the Old Court House: 

Opening of the New Hall — Further action of the Bar — Final abandon- 
ment of the Old Court House — Formal occupation of the New Hall — 
Addresses of Hon. Sherman S. Rogers, Hon. E. C. Spragae, Hon. A. P. 
Nichols, and others 64 

The Common Council: \ 

Formal Dedication of the New Council Chamber — Invocation of Dr. Lord 
— Address of Mayor Becker — Response of President Bemis — Address of 
Judge Clinton — Speeches of Aldermen Simons, Lothridge, Ferris, and 
Ambrose, 73 

% Religious Ceremonies : 

Sermon to Lawyers by Rev. Dr. Heacock — Early Reminiscences of the 
Old Court House — Recollections of Distinguished members of the Bar — 
The great Buffalo Bank suit — Lessons drawn from the theme, ... 86 

Banquet of the Bar: 

Social reunion of the Bar at the Tiff't House — Two hundred lawyers 
around the festive board — A flow of wine, wit and soul, and a fund of 
reminiscence and anecdote — Speeches of Messrs. Sprague, Lord, Clinton, 
Saunders, Putnam, Babcock, Cutting, Wadsworth, Marvin, Lewis, Box, 
and others — Letters and telegrams, 91 

A Clerical Banquet : 

The County Clerk and his employees celebrate their entrance to the New 
Office — Meeting in the Old Office — Another meeting in the New one — A 
Banquet at the Ocean House — Addresses, speeches, toasts, &c., &c., . 132 

Appendix : 

Civil list of the city of Buffalo from 1816 to 1876— History of the Superior 
Court — Civil list of Erie county from 1808 to 1876 — Alphabetical list of 
the Erie County Bar, &c., &c., 139 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Okb hundred years ago, Western New York was an unbroken 
wilderness. Dense forests grew, and ferocious wild beasts roamed 
unmolested, where now are cultivated fields, thriving towns and 
populous cities. The busy streets, broad avenues, and beautiful 
parkways of to-day, were then but rugged Indian trails, leading 
from the wigwams to the hunting-grounds, and fishing resorts of 
the red man. • 

In 1772, one hundred and four years ago, the Provincial Assembly 
of New York, organized the county of Tryon, which embraced all 
that portion of the State lying west of the city and county of Albany. 
In 1784, the name of the county was changed by legislative enact- 
ment, from Tryon to Montgomery, but the boundaries remained 
unaltered. Five years thereafter, or in 1789, Montgomery county 
was divided, by creating the county of Ontario, which embraced 
all that portion of the State lying west of Syracuse. Thirteen years 
later, or in 1802, the county of Genesee was organized, embracing 
all, or nearly all, the territory of the State west of Genesee river. 
Another subdivision was made in 1808, when Niagara county was 
formed and became the most westerly county of the State. 

In 1821, the southern portion of Niagara county was set off and 
organized as Erie county, with boundaries substantially as they 
exist at present. Although Erie county had no legal existence until 
1821, yet, practically, its history reaches back to 1808, at which time 
Niagara county was created, with the village of Buffalo, as the 
county seat. As a matter of course, official documents and records 
affecting that portion of Niagara, embraced in the new county of 
Erie, were left and still remain in the Buffalo office. 

An association known as The Holland Land Company, being the 
owners of a large portion of the territory of Western New York, 
took the first step in 1801, towards founding a town on the present 
site of Buffalo, in causing a survey to be made, and a plat to be 
prepared, and gave to the proposed settlement the name of New 



Amsterdam. Canandaigua and Batavia were the two principal 
settlements in Western New York at that time. Eochester was 
unknown — even the "blazed trail" through the forest from Can- 
andaigua to Batavia did not take the Flour City in its course. 

About this time an iinusual inclination to "Go West" was de- 
veloped in NeAV England. The tide of emigration spread over the 
State, and Western New York was ultimately occupied by the 
sturdy yeomanry from the Atlantic seaboard whose decendants now 
constitute the intelligent population of a greater portion of the 
Empire State. Buffalo gained its full share of the new comers from 
eastern settlements, and grew apace. At the breaking out of the 
war of 1813, its population was about 1,500. 

Its prosperity was somewhat impeded by an untimely visit from 
the British soldiery in December, 1813, who crossed the Niagara river 
at Black Eock, and destroyed the entire town by fire, with the 
exception of two dwellings. This check to the growth of the place 
was only temporary. The village was soon rebuilt, its dimensions 
enlarged, and its stability and future prosperity fully assured. The 
raid and fire brands of the British reduced its population to less 
than 1,000, but it soon retrieved its losses, and in 1820, numbered 
over 3,000. In 1835, it counted over 5,000 residents, and, in 1830, 
it boasted of nearly 8,000. 

In 1813, New Amsterdam was incorporated by act of the legis- 
lature as the '' Village of Butfaloe." The trustees named in the act, 
neglecting to organize, the law became void, and a new act was 
passed for a similar purpose the following year. The same fate 
attended this second effort to incorporate the village, and a third 
act was passed in 1816, from which period dates the corporate 
existence of the " Queen City of the Lakes." 

In 1833, the place had grown to that importance which justified 
further promotion, and it was incorporated as a city, with a mayor, 
common council, and other necessary city offices. The charter has 
frequently been amended to meet the demands of increasing popu- 
lation and growing wealth, which have signally marked the his- 
tory of the city. Its population has increased since its first incor- 
poration as follows : 1833,10,000; 1835,15,000; 1840,18,000; 
1845, 30,000; 1850, 43,000; 1855, 74,000; 1860, 81,000; 1865, 
94,000; 1870, 118,000; 1875, 140,000; and in 1876, probably 150,000. 
The same ratio of increase until the close of the present century, or 
until 1901, the centennial of the founding of Buffalo, will give the 
city a population of more than 500,000. 



THE 



CITY AND COUNTY HALL 



A DETAILED STATEMENT OF ITS INCEPTION, CONSTRUCTION AND 
COST, WITH A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STRUCTURE. 



ITS INCEPTION. 



It cannot be trnthfully said that, hitherto, the city of Buffalo 
has been extravagant in its public buildings. With a population of 
more than one hundred thousand, and a wealth equal to that of 
most any city of its size, it has for several years continued in the 
occupancy of indifferent structures, until a suitable building — one 
commensurate not only with the present wants of the people, but 
for many years in the future — could be provided. The question of 
erecting such an edifice had often been discussed, and various plans 
had been submitted to attain the object, yet nothing positive was 
accomplished in the matter until the year 1870, when the project 
took definite shape by the introduction in the Common Council, on 
the twenty-first day of IS^ovember, by Alderman John Pierce, of the 
following resolution : 

^'Resolved, That the Mayor, Comptroller, City Clerk, Gibson T. 
Williams, Esq., and James M. Smith, Esq., be and are hereby ap- 
pointed a committee to take into consideration the project of build- 
ing a new City Hall, and the expediency of including in the esti- 
mates for the next year the sum of fifty thousand dollars, enabling 
the city to commence the erection of the City Hall." 

This resolution, on the motion of Aid. Evans, was referred to the 
Committee on Finance. On the twelfth of December, 1870, the 
Finance Committee reported in favor of its adoption, and it was 
adopted writhout division. 
2 



# 



10 

At a meeting of the Common Council, held on the twenty-fourth 
of December, 1870, the Finance Committee submitted a report, 
signed by all the members thereof, recommending the construction 
of a building to accommodate city and county officers, and recom- 
mending legislative action authorizing the appointment of a com- 
mission to procure a site, and construct such building. This 
report was also adopted by the Council without division. 

THE COMMISSION. 

On the twenty-first of April, 1871, the Legislature passed an act 
entitled '^ An act in relation to the location and er.ection of public 
buildings for the use of Erie county and the city of Buffalo." 
Messrs. James M. Smith, Dennis Bowen, Albert P. Laning, Jasper 
B. Youngs, and Allen Potter, -were appointed by the governor a 
Board of Commissioners to select a site for, and erect such build- 
ings, and on the twenty-second of May, 1871, the commissioners 
reported to the Common Council that they had selected Franklin 
square, bounded by Franklin, Eagle, Delaware and Church streets, 
as the site. On September 18, 1871, the Council adopted an ordi- 
nance setting apart the square named. In May, 1872, the follow- 
ing gentlemen were added to the Commission, in pursuance of an 
act of the Legislature, viz. : James Adams, Philip Becker, John 
Nice, and George S, Wardwell, 

On the ninth of May, 1873, Mr. James M, Smith, Chairman of 
the Board of Commissioners, sent in his resignation as a member 
thereof, and Mr, George S, Wardwell was elected chairman in his 
stead, Mr, Geo. W. Hay ward being elected commissioner in place of 
Mr. Smith. 

At a meeting of the Common Council, held October 16, 1871, the 
Board of Commissioners, in compliance with a resolution previously 
passed by the Common Council, submitted a communication esti- 
mating the cost of the proposed public buildings at $772,000. 

On the twenty-second of October, 1873, the commissioners sent a 
communication to the Cotmcil, giving the ''original estimate" in 
detail, the amount footing up $799,734. To this was added an 
*' amended estimate," as follows : 

Additional for granite in place of local stone $222,500 

Additional for granite setting 26,000 

Additional for hard wood floors in place of white pine 5,000 

Additional for wainscoting of black walnut in place of 

pine base 14,000 



11 

Additional for veneered doors in place of solid $10,000 

Additional for hard wood casings in place of pine 45,000 

Additional for washbasins in rooms 5,000 

Additional for heating 25,000 

Additional for finishing hard wood thronghout 10,000 

Additional for anchors 5,000 

Additional for laying and additional cost of brick 25,000 

Additional for principal iron stair-case 3,000 

Additional for gas fixtures 5,000 

Additional for Superintendent's salary 7,000 

Total $407,500 

This would make the total cost, as finally agreed upon, $1,207,234. 
On the twelfth of April, 1875, the legislature passed an act amend- 
ing '' An act in relation to the location and erection of public 
buildings for the use of Erie county and the city of Buffalo," by 
which it was provided that one-half the expense incurred in erect- 
ing said Hall, and completing and furnishing the same ready for 
use, should be borne and paid by the city of Buffalo, and the other 
half by the county of Erie, and all expenses to be incurred after the 
erection and completion thereof, for repairing, warming, lighting, 
and care thereof, should be borne and paid by the city and county 
in the same proportions. 

This act also provided that the whole amount to be expended by 
the commissioners should not exceed one million four hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars. Also, that the commissioners should com- 
plete all the duties assigned them within six years from the time of 
their first meeting. 

THB ARCHITECT. 

The Board of Commissioners met on the second of May, 1871, 
and organized by electing James M. Smith, Esq., chairman. On 
the nineteenth of June Mr. Bowen moved that a committee of two 
be appointed to prepare and report plans, and procure the services 
of a capable architect to assist them. Messrs. Bowen and Laning 
were appointed such committee. 

On the twenty-fifth of April, 1872, it was reported that Mr. A. J. 
T^arner, of Rochester, had been selected as architect, that his plan 
had been accepted, and a contract entered into with him, which 
contract had been signed by all the commissioners. By the terms 
of the contract Mr. Warner was to receive 124,000 for furnishing 
the plans, specifications, working-drawings, &c. 



12 



MISCELLA NEO US. 

From a report made by the Building Commission, the following 
general information is gleaned : 

July 18, 1871. — Tlie chairman was authorized to enter into a 
contract Avith S. H. Fields, for his services as Superintendent of the 
City and County Hall, at a salary not exceeding 12,500 per annum. 
Notices were also directed to be published requesting samples of 
stone to be furnished by the first of September, and inviting tenders 
for stone for the foundation walls. 

Proposals for foundation stone were received from Lewis F. Allen 
and Nicholas Uebelhoer. The proposition of Mr. Uebelhoer was 
accepted at 16.50 per cord, delivered. 

A proposition was received from the Akron Cement Company, to 
furnish cement at $1.00 per barrel, which was accepted. 

August 17th. — The chairman was authorized to contract with 
Mr. J. Gallagher to excavate and remove the earth for the basement 
and foundation walls, at a sum not exceeding twenty-seven cents 
per cubic yard. 

OcTOBEK 7lh. — On motion of Mr. Laning, the superintendent 
was authorized to contract for the quick lime for this season at 
ninety cents per barrel. This contract price was afterwards reduced 
to 88 cents. 

October 18th. — On motion of Mr. Bowen, the chairman was 
authorized to advertise for proposals for furnishing stone to be used 
in the construction of the bnilding. 

November 17th. — The following propositions for stone accom- 
panied with samples were received: 

Clough Stone Company, North Amherst, Ohio, one dollar per 
cubic foot, unwrought. 

Worthington & Son, Amherst stone, ninety-five cents per cubic 
foot, unwrought. 

Conieflf & Dee, Onondaga gray marble, one dollar per cubic foot, 
nn wrought; wrought, one dollar and fifty cents; wrought and set in 
wall at one dollar and seventy-three cents ; wrought and set in wall 
in gross for $250,000. They would also furnish the Oswego brown 
stone, wrought and set in the walls in gross for $225,000. 

Lyman Baker, Berea Stone Company, Ohio ; Berea stone, wrougjit 
and set in wall in gross for $278,000. 

Bodwell Granite Company, Hallowell, Maine ; unwrought granite, 
$3.25 per cubic foot ; wrought and set in wall, $3.65; unwrought, 
in gross, $149,500; wrought, in gross, $422,500; wrought and set 
in the wall, in gross, $474,500. 



13 

M. H. St. John and George Mark. Clark's Island granite, wrought, 
$3.10 per cubic foot; unwrought, 11.00 per cubic foot; unwrought, 
in gross, $130,000; wrought, in gross, $403,000. 

Decembee 19, 1871. — On motion of Mr. Bowen, the chairman 
was authorized to contract with J. S. & F. H. Youngs for quick 
lime, at eighty-seven and one-half cents per barrel. Also that the 
exterior of the City and County Hall be constructed of granite. 

On motion of Mr. Laning, the chairman, Mr. Bowen, and the 
architect were appointed a committee to contract with Messrs. 
Mark and 8t. John, to furnish and deliver granite from their qnarry 
at Clark' Island, cut in accordance with the plans and specifications, 
under the direction of the architect, upon the basis of 130,000 cubic 
feet for $360,000, the price to be increased or diminished in propor- 
tion to the quantity required. The chairman and Mr. Bowen were 
also authorized to contract with Brush Bros, for all the brick re- 
quired, on such terms as to quantity and price as they might deem 
expedient. 

March 27, 1872. — The chairman reported that a contract had 
been executed with Brush Bros, for all the brick required — 2,000,000 
to be delivered at six dollars per thousand, and the balance at the 
market price at the time of delivery, but the price not to exceed at 
any time $7.25 per thousand. 

On motion of Mr. Bowen, the chairman Avas authorized to con- 
tract for the iron columns at a price not exceeding seven cents per 
pound. 

April 25, 1872. — The chairman also reported that he had exe- 
cuted a contract with Dunbar & Howell for the iron columns — 
those in the basement to be delivered at six cents per pound, and 
those in the upper stories at six and one-half cents per pound. 

October 11, 1872. — Mr. Cooley S. Chapin was appointed super- 
intendent in place of S. H. Fields, and Addison P. Mason, clerk, in 
place of Frederick Masten. 

October 21st. — On motion of Mr. Adams, a committee consisting 
of the chairman, and Messrs. Wardwell and Bowen was appointed 
to procure models of the statues to be placed on the tower. 

December 31, 1872. — The chairman reported that a contract had 
been executed with Mr, Berger, of New York, to furnish the models 
for the statues. 

On motion of Mr. Bowen, the chairman and Messrs. Becker and 
Youngs were appointed a committee with authority to purchase or 
contract for the purchase of the lumber required in the construction 
of the Hall, and provide a place for storing it, and cause it to be 
insured. 



14 

March 12, 1873. — The chairman reported that a contract had 
been execnted with Scatcherd & Bel ton to furnish, the lumber 
required in the erection of the building. 

On motion of Mr. Bowen.a committee consisting of the chairman 
and Messrs. Wardvvell and Laning was appointed, with authority to 
contract for the construction of the statues to be placed on the 
tower. An estimate of the cost of constructing these statues was 
invited from Messrs. Batterson & Co., of Hartford, Conn. The 
price fixed by them for executing them was $22,000. The commit- 
tee executed a contract with Messrs. Mark & St. John, the contract- 
ors, for furnishing the granite of the building. 

April 8, 1873. — Mr. Adams offered a resolution that the plan of 
the City and County Hall be so modified and changed that the ex- 
terior surface of the stone above the first story, which, according to 
the plan heretofore adopted should have a rock-finish, shall be 
dressed in the style known as six-steel-cut work, provided the con- 
tractors for furnishing such stone shall assent to such change, and 
contract to furnish such stone in the last-mentioned style, at a rate 
and price not to exceed two dollars per square foot on the surface, 
for the additional cutting of the stones to be caused by such change, 
and exclusive of openings. The resolution was adopted, and the 
chairman was authorized to execute a contract with Mark & St. John 
in accordance therewith. 

September 2, 1873. — On motion of Mr. Bowen, a resolution was 
adopted directing that the frames of the roof be constructed of the 
best kind of pine timber, and that the chairman and superintendent 
be authorized to purchase such timber at the best rate procui'able. 

The chairman and Messrs. Adams and Bowen were appointed a 
committee to examine into and report upon the best manner of 
heating and ventilating the building. 

December 19th. — The chairman and Messrs. Bowen and Hay- 
ward were appointed a committee to procure estimates of the cost of 
doors, sash and stairs. 

The following is a summary of the prices paid for materials: 

Brick, $6@7 per thousand. 
Cement, IL.OO per barrel. 

Excavating foundation. 27 cents per cubic yard. 
Foundation stone, $6.50 per cord. 
Granite prepared for setting, $2.77 per cubic foot. 
Granite, dressed surface for all above first story, and not included 
in former contract, $2.00 per sup. foot, exclusive of openmgs. 
Iron beams, 5 to 7^ cents per pound. 
Iron columns, 6 to 6-5^ cents per pound. 

Lumber, basswood plank, $18.00 to $20.00 per thousand feet. 
Eoof timber, Norway pine, $23.00 per thousand feet. 



15 

Flooring, Georgia pine, 145.00 per thousand feet. 
Black walnut lumber, $66.25 per thousand feet. 
Quick lime, 87^ cents per barrel. 
Sand and gravel, 11.50 p^er yard. 

Ground was first broken for the foundation of the building on 
the twenty-first of August, 1871. 

THE GENERAL PLAN 

is in the form of a double Koman cross, with the bases adjoining, 
and extending longitudinally north and south; the body of the 
cross covering a space of 114 x 255 feet ; the arms and heads having 
each 20 feet projection and 52 feet front. The building thus has a 
total length of 295 feet, and a total width of 158 feet. The princi- 
pal facade is on Franklin street, and in the center of the same is 
the clock and bell-tower, projecting 12 feet from the main building. 
The tower is 40 feet square at the base, and rises to a height of 268 
feet. In the center of the Delaware street front is also a projection 
of 5 feet in depth and 45 feet in length. 

THE EXTERIOR. 

The first or principal story is finished with rock-face or pointed 
work, with heavy chamfers and tooled margins, and heavy project- 
ing water-table. The second and third stories are finished with 
pilasters between the openings, with molded or carved capitals, re- 
ceiving the arches and lintels of the windows. The jambs of all 
the windows have deep reveals, with heavy imposts and mullions. 
The pilasters between the windows in the second and third stories. 
in the pavilions at each end of the building, extend the full height 
of both stories. At each external angle of the pavilions there is a 
turret six feet square, with a pointed curved roof. 

The cornice of the building is finished with plain modillions, and 
surmounted with a parapet 74 feet above the ground. The roofs 
are steep, covered with slate, and rise to a height of 105 feet from 
the ground. There is a turret, eight feet square, at each of the 
four corners of the large central tower, extending to a height of 
166 feet from the ground, and surmounted with a pedestal. Upon 
these turrets stand the- statues. 

The main cornice of the tower is on a line with the base of 
the pedestals, and is finished with projecting parapets, sup- 
ported by corbels. Next above the cornice, and between the statues, 
are the pediments containing the clock faces, nine feet in diameter, 



16 

one on each side of the tower. The clock section has a curved slate 
roof, 27 feet in height, and next above is the lantern, or observatory, 
200 feet above the ground. Upon the observatory is a pointed, 
curved roof of slate, similar to that on tlhe turrets at the corners of 
the pavilions. 

The bell section of the tower is 120 feet above the ground, and 
has three openings on each side, five feet wide and eighteen feet 
high, finished with heavy molded louvres. 

In the first story, in the center of the building, both on the Frank- 
lin and Delaware street fronts, are the entrances, consisting of 
double-arched openings, enriched by detached columns with carved 
capitals. Each opening is nine feet wide and seventeen feet high. 
In front of each entrance is a fine flight of stone steps, rising six 
feet from the ground to the principal floor. The steps are flanked 
on either side with abutments and pedestals for lamps, and at the 
top of the steps, just outside of the building, is a stone platform 
16 X 25 feet. 

THE IKTEEIOR. 

Entering the Franklin street front, the visitor is admitted to the 
lobby, which consists of the first story of the tower, and is 28 x 30 
feet, entirely of stone. From the lobby he passes, through sash 
doors, to the main corridor, 24 feet wide and 150 feet long, running 
longitudinally in the building. The second and third stories also 
each have a corridor of the same dimensions, extending in the 
same direction ; and with these corridors all of the rooms and offices 
communicate directly. 

THE BASEMENT 

of the building is intended chiefly for the storage of fuel and the 
apparatus for ventilating and heating, the latter being done by 
steam. There are rooms for the temporary detention of criminals 
awaiting trial. The basement is eleven feet high, dry, and well lighted. 
In the hall or entrance-way from Delaware street in the first story, is 
the grand stairway, occupying a space 36 x*40 feet, starting on either 
side, and passing two-thirds of the way up, towards the west, to a 
landing 10 x 36 feet, and returning thence, in the center, towards 
the main corridor. There are two intermediate landings in the 
stairs, each nine feet high. The stairs continue to the third story 
on the same plan, and are constructed of iron. 



17 



FIRST FLOOR. 



The offices with which the public have the most to do are located 
on the first floor, as a matter of convenience. As will be seen by the 
diagram on page 18, the county offices of SheriflF, Clerk, Treasurer 
and Surrogate, are grouped in the northern end of the building on 
this floor, while the City Treasurer, Comptroller, Clerk, Street and 
Water Commissioners, occupy a corresponding position at the other 
end. The number and designation of the offices are given upon the 
tablet in the vestibule, or lobby, as follows: 

No. 1. Wat^r Commissioners 19 x 38 

" 2. City Treasurer 43 x 49 

" 3. City Comptroller 43 x 63 

" 4. City Clerk 43 x 49 

" 5. Street Commissioner 19 x 38 

" 6. Witnesses 19 x 38 

" 7. Grand Jury 19x38 

" 8. Sheriff 19x38 

" 9. County Clerk 43 x 94 

" 10. Surrogate 43 x 49 

" 11. County Treasurer 38 x 38 

SECOND FLOOR. 

The second floor is chiefly given up to the courts and court 
officers. There are no less than five large and commodious court 
rooms, most elegantly furnished with all the modern improvements 
and conveniences of halls of justice. Connecting with these are 
private apartments for judges' chambers, while the Clerk of the 
Superior Court, and the City and District Attorneys are con- 
veniently by, as well as the necessary jury rooms and the -Law 
Library. The Mayor, City Assessors and City Engineer are also 
upon this floor. 

The diagram on page 19 will show the location of the several 
offices on this floor, which are in size and numbered as follows : 



No. 13 

" 13 

" 14 

" 15 

" 16 

" 18 

" 21 

" 22 

" 23 

" 26, 

" 27 



Mayor's Office 38 x 38 

City Engineer 43 x 49 

Superior Court 43 x 68 

Assessors' Office. , 43 x 49 

District Attorney 19 x 38 

City Attorney 19 x 38 

County Court 43 x' 49 

Supreme Court 43 x 49 

Law Library 43 x 63 

Superior Court 19 x 38 

Clerk Superior Court 28 x 28 



18 




19 




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o 

h-T 
fa 

O 

Q 

tB 
fa 

o 



20 




21 



THIRD FLOOR. 

Upon the third floor are found the Common Council Chamber, 
which for elegance, beauty and elaborate finish, is not excelled, if 
equaled, by any similar room in the country, and the Board of Super- 
visors' Chamber, together with two large court rooms, and the office 
of the Superintendent of Education, the Park Commissioners, and 
Clerk of Board of Supervisors. The diagram on page 20 will show 
their location. They are numbered as follows : 

No. 28. Superintendent of Education 38 x 38 

" 29. Common Council 43 x 145 

" 30. Superintendent of Buildings 11 x 17 

" 31. Park Commissioners 38 x 38 

" 32. Superior Court, General Term 38 x 38 

" 33. Supreme Court, " " 43 x 49 

" 34. Superior Court, Civil Trial " 43x63 

" 35. Supervisors 43 x 49 

" 36. Supervisors' Committees 38 x 38 

" 37. Clerk of Board of Supervisors 28 x 28 



COURT RECORD. 

A fourth tablet on the wall in the vestibule gives the following 
information for those having business with the several courts: 

SUPREME COURT. 

Circuit No. 22, second story. 

Special Term . . . . j " 32, thi rd story. 

General Term " 33, third story. 

SUPERIOR COURT. 

Judges' Chambers No. 26, second story. 

Criminal Term " 14, " " 

. Civil Trial Term " 34, third story. 

General Term ; " 32, " " 



COUNTY COURT. 
Court Room No. 21, second story, 

SURROGATE. 
Room No. 10, first story. 



22 



THE BOARD. 

A marble tablet similar to those in the vestibule is placed upon 
the wall at the second intermediate landing of the grand stairway, 
and bears the following inscription: 

CITY AND COUNTY HALL. 
Commenced, 1871 Completed, 1876. 

BUILDING COMMISSIONERS. 

James M. Smith, Chairman (resigned). 

George S. Wardwell, Chairman. 

James Adams, Philip Becker, 

Dennis Bowen, George W. Hayward, 

A. P. Laning, John Nice, 

Allen Potter, J. B. Youngs. 

A. J. Warner, Architect. 

S. H. Fields, Superintendent (resigned). 

C. S. Chapin, Superintendent. 

J. Druar, Assistant. Superintendent. 

The floors of the corridors, and parts of rooms intended for pub- 
lic use are paved with marble tiles. In the floor of the main corri- 
dor, in the second and third stories, is an octagon well-hole, 20 feet 
in diameter, in the center of the building, and one 8 x 36 feet on 
each side of the same, affording light to the space below from large 
sky-lights, placed above them in the roof. The first story is plas- 
tered on the brick arches of the floor above, with plaster moldings 
run on the trains. The second and third sttories have plaster cor- 
nices in all the rooms, with molded panels in the ceilings. 



LAYING THE CORNER-STONE. 

The corner-stone of the new building was laid on the afternoon 
of June 24, 1872, with appropriate ceremonies, on which occasion 
there was a grand turn-out. A procession, consisting of the Mili- 
tary, Masonic lodges, the Building Commissioners, Judges of the 
Courts, members of the Common Council and Board of Supervisors, 
City and County oflBcials, &c., formed at three o'clock, and marched 
along Franklin street to the Terrace, across the Terrace to Main, up 
Main to Tupper, down Tupper to Delaware, and down Delaware to 
the scene of the ceremonies. 



23 



THE CORNER-STONE, 

which is located in the south-east corner of the tower, is of granite, 
two feet eight inches by five feet, and two feet deep. It boars the 
following inscription : 

A. L. ( MASONIC ) A. D. 



5 87 2. ( EMBLEMS. ) 18 72, 

June 24. 

The ceremonies commenced with prayer by the Eev. Dr. Lord. 
The band then played "Hail Columbia," after which came an 
eloquent and appropriate oration by the Hon. Geo. W. Clinton. 

ORATION BY THE HON. GEORGE W. CLINTON. 

This mighty concourse of people of our city and county marks 
an epoch in our history ; and the solemn ceremony which it is 
about to witness will be long remembered with pride and pleasure. 
The laying oi this corner-stone and the completion of this Hall 
■can afford no aliment to vanity, and must redound but incidentally 
to individual honor. The people of our county and city have 
decreed the performance of this most necessary and creditable work, 
and to them collectively are due the glory and the praise. The 
voice of an indignant people, jealous of its reputation, and incensed 
by long delay, has burst forth in command, and this great fabric is 
^otmded and will soon attain its carefully prescribed perfection. 

Excuse me for remarking that we mistranslate, irreverently, I 
■ think, the Roman saying. Vox populi vox Dei. The Romans, like 
•all the heathen ancients, had their Dii majnres and Dii mi7iores, 
their greater and their lesser gods. They did not know and worship 
the one true God. They recognized and sacrificed to a host of 
■deities, both male and female, personifying the phenomena and 
forces of nature, and her productions, and the genius of every 
human avocation, and art and science. The voice of the people 
was not to them the voice of God — of the Divinity, but that of a 
divinity — majestic, solemn, fearful, full of portent and of power. 
Its utterances, like the souls of their deities, might be swollen by 
fury and by malice. Is there in the world's history a recorded cry 
^so fiendish as that one, priest-prompted, of the Jewish populace : 
Release to us Barrabas. Crucify him! Crucify him I What 
utterance was ever so God-like as the exclamation of our Saviour in 
his mortal agony : Father, forgive them, for they know not what 
they do. The motive, the occasion, the soul that finds expression 
in it, determine the quality of the voice. I am not, I never have 
been, I believe, a flatterer of the people. Seldom have I recognized 
the voice of a God in the voice of .a people. By our compact, 



24 

majorities govern, and their behests are entitled to obedience though 
they fail to command respect. At the dread outset of those times 
which, more thoroughly than those of the revolutionary war, did 
try men's souls; when crafty rebellion, fully prepared, broke out 
into insulting war ; when treason threw off all disguise and ap- 
peared, like Satan, vast and threatening — then the voice of the true 
men and women of the North and East and West, unanimous for 
war in defense of the Union and of liberty, had a tone and compass 
and majesty, such as the Eoman might imagine in the thunder of 
his fabled Jove. But when that weary, cruel war was over, and the 
last hope of traitorous ambition was blasted, and the foul rebellion 
was crushed by our armed heel — when the joy of the crowning 
triumph was tempered by pity, and, from the very soul of our 
wounded, exhausted, suffering people, gushed forth the cry for am- 
nesty — was not that magnanimous cry prompted by the spirit of 
Christ himself? Did not the still small voice within, inform us 
that the voice of the people was indeed the voice of God ? 

I cannot say, my friends, that you have done grandly, for you 
have made no memorable sacrifice to attain this point of honor. 
Your voice in this was worthy; but I pray that you may speak 
further and in the same noble strain. Much, very much, remains 
to be done to secure to Buffalo the good and glory sh^ should aspire 
to. She looks not like a queen upon the lakes; but she has yet to 
win the crown. With the most moderate exertion, wealth must 
flow to her, and she is now very strong, and must grow stronger and 
stronger. May she never use that strength ty ran nously! May she 
never confound money with wealth, nor rate anything higher than 
true honor. Her true glory is to be sought in the happiness of her 
citizens, and that happiness can be assured only by virtue and by 
knowledge. The dangerous classes must not only be deterred by 
swift condemnation and inexorable punishment, but must be led 
from their evil courses by scholarly and priestly hands. How can 
this rich, proud city deride and condemn the coarse pleasures of 
the poor, while it does not freely extend to them purer, higher ones. 
N^o duty is more exalted, none, in this city, is more urgent, than 
the extension of pure pleasure and its fi'ee diffusion among all 
classes. It may be mainly sensuous, and it may inform the intellect, 
but, whatever its character, it tends to regulate the passions and to 
chasten the heart. 

OUR PARK IS A GRAND STEP 

in this direction. But this generation, I am free to say, cannot 
confidently claim that it has done its whole duty while Buffalo re- 
mains so undistinguished in science, in learning, in taste. There 
yet remains to be laid, in order to insure true glory, and, so far as 
possible, internal order and peace and safety, to our dear city, more 
corner stones than I can think of; free libraries, and churches, and 
schools of learning, of art, of the fine arts, of science. The His- 
torical Society should be made assuredly permanent and have a 



25 

buildiijg of its own. The Academy of Fine Arts should have a 
building of its own, augment its examples of painting and sculp- 
ture, secure copies of all the antique statues, and branch forth into 
schools. The Society of Natural Scienc<'S deserves to be sustained. 
It can have no assurance of safety for its possessions, no security 
for its own existence, while it lives at sufferance in the Young Men's 
Association building. It has been said to me — it is a bitter shame, 
if true — that the General Hospital languishes for want of an ade- 
quate endowment. Speak out my fi'iends, and declare that these 
weak beginnings of good things shtill, for the honor of our city, be 
saved. And then wliy has not Buffalo an university? But 1 am 
weak and weary with longings for the good of my people and the 
honor of my city, and I can do nothing. Speak out then, my 
people! Be assured that the voice of the people is the voice of 
God, of our God, only when it is Christian — and is most glorious 
when it commands works and deeds of charity. 

But I will dismiss these vain regrets and idle longings, and rejoice 
with you, my people, in this auspicious beginning of a long series of 
popular triumphs. Thank Heaven, we are at least relieved from a 
most just reproach. AVhen this building is completed, the great 
county of Erie and our unfinished city will cease to be accused of 
parsimony and meanness, and want of a proper pride, and of a 
just sense of the magnitude and worth of their own public and cor- 
porate affairs. A noble and commodious edifice will rise here, not 
by force of a wish, i]or in a single night, like Aladdin's palace — but 
by the persistent toil of swarms of skilled free laborers. Its propor- 
tions seem just and beautiful. 

IT WILL BE A TKUTHFUL BUILDING. 

It will not present to the public eye a splendid front, and hide 
from it a shabby rear. Standing, as it will, in this ample space, it 
will show on every side, a truthful face. From turret to founda- 
tion stone it will be an honest building. Its construction gives no 
opening to the plunderer of the public. No slave, no taskmaster, 
no enforced labor will disgrace this work; no unrewarded sweat 
will temper its mortar or bedew its ponderous stones. It will bring 
content and happiness to many willing woi'kmen; it will result iu 
well-won fame to the architect and his assistants; it will impose no 
unnecessary or unfitting burden upon the tax-paying public; it will 
confirm and heighten the respect and esteem in which our people 
hold the Commissioners. 

This is not a fit occasion for many Avords; and if I err in recalling 
briefly some facts in our history which seem to me fruitful of hope 
and incentives to humble and energetic action, you must pardon me; 
and you will please to I'eraember that, in referring more particularly 
to the city, I bear in mind the fact that the residue of the county has, 
from the beginning, been so intimately connected with it, that they 
have acted and re-acted upon each other, and have felt alike and to- 
gether the changes of the times. 



26 

Here was the western end of the long house of the Iroquois. Here 
the Senecas kept the western door while the Mohawks guarded the 
eastern. That house remained continuous and unbroken in 1776; 
and, excepting only the villages of the Senecas, and the patches of 
land rudely cultivated by the squaws, our country was nearly all 
dense forest. A few armed explorers had passed through its outer 
edge, a petty trading post had been planted near it, and few, if any, 
white intruders had built log huts within our bounds. The country 
west of us was a wilderness, and our lakes were coasted only by in- 
frequent canoes of the Indians, and by the batteaux of traders; they 
were, indeed, but desert wastes of water. Councils were usually 
held in the open air, though their fires, on some occasions, were 
lighted in a wigwam. The matters of debate were few, and gave 
but rare occasion for a rude eloquence scarcely worth recording. 
Eomance depicts the red man as noble, and his life as poetical and 
happy. In truth his life is brutal, and his character far from heroic. 
I have no tears to shed for him. Unless he becomes civilized, he is 
not worth preserving, and, in the course of nature, must give way 
to the wiser, stronger, more energetic white man. 

In 1796 there were four houses in Buffalo. In 1801 a small por- 
tion of what is now Buffalo was surveyed into village lots, called 
New Amsterdam, and offered for sale. In 1807 it contained about 
twelve dwellings. In April, 1813, it was incorporated as the village 
of Buffalo. Its charter as a city was enacted in 1832. Its popula- 
tion, in 1830, was 8,868 ; in 1835, 15,561 ; in 1845, 29,973 ; and 
now it exceeds 120,000 largely. In 1822 it was a petty village, and, 
so far as we can judge, would, at this time, be but little more, had 
it not been for the 

COMPLETION OF THE ERIE CANAL IN 1825. 

The growth of half a century has been marvelous; a growth not 
merely in population, but in everything that adorns and exalts indi- 
vidual life, and gives influence to a municipality. What, if it puts 
its advantages to use, and exerts its enormous strength judiciously, 
may we not reasonably hope from the next half century ? 

But in all this progress, in the very hurry of it, and in the look- 
ing forward to more favorable times, nothing creditable was done 
in the way of providing buildings for municipal purposes. The 
people were contented with disgraceful make-shifts, probably 
because they looked upon them as mere temporary expedients, and 
anticipated the coming of this good time. What a noisy, incon- 
venient abomination the old Court House is ! Time has not made 
it, cannot make it, venerable. And there is our jail — a thing to be 
mentioned, but not discussed. And what can be said of the so- 
called new Court House, except that it is of brick, that it is said to 
have been constructed with an eye to close economy, and that it 
gave to the courts and county officers more room, and temporary 
relief from an almost insufferable pressure. What honorable citizen 



27 

of Erie County has been able, for many years, to look upon these 
buildings without blushing ? 

I do not know where our village fathers held their councils ; but 
very likely they held them, sometimes, in the old school-house, and 
sometimes in some store or office. In 1836, the city offices and the 
Council Chamber were upon the Terrace, in the wooden market, 
which abutted on Main street, and which was, by the judgment of 
a competent court, abated as a public nuisance. It was a long and 
indescribably ugly building. The basement was devoted to the s-ale 
of vegetables and poultry, the next floor to butchers' stalls, and the 
attic to our city fathers. This fragment of a mean market was our 
City Hall, until the corporation acquired full title to this fine square, 
and adapted the dwelling-houses on the east side to its own proper 
uses. The square Avas, in great part, a cemetery, and contained the 
remains of many well-remembered dead, but of far more of whom 
no name nor memory survived. All were reverently removed to 
and interred in other places, and the city took full possession. 

In 1848, when our population* exceeded 30,000, I, in my impa- 
tience, wrote this paragraph : " Our city has no buildings for Judi- 
cial or civic purposes worthy of its position, or adequate to its 
wants ; but the times seem fully ripe for planning and commencing 
a City Hall commensurate with the present palmy condition, and 
worthy of the assured destiny of Buffalo." The times were not 
ripe for such an enterprise. It was necessary that, from that day 
to the enactment of the law under which this building was com- 
menced, 

WE SHOULD GROAN AKD SUFFEE AS WE HAVE 

under almost intolerable inconvenience and unbounded shame. 
We counseled and agitated, and devised abortive schemes to secure 
fit public buildings. But strong men among us were wisely patient. 
In the fulness of time they appealed to a people who scarcely 
needed to be persuaded, and the result is the commencement and 
assured rapid completion of a building worthy of the city and the 
county. 

We must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground that 
cannot be gathered up again. Our material works must follow us. 
They must decay and perish. Flatter not yourselves then that you 
are building for eternity. You may reasonably doubt whether you 
are building for a remote posterity. In the early ages of the world 
men thought to defy time in their works, and to cope with Heaven. 
Hence the impious attempt at Babel; hence the massive pyramids. 
Such vain ambition, such foolish hope, no longer stir the souls of 
men. The great truth is now admitted that time {edax rerum) will 
eventually destroy all our material works, and that he who would 
build for eternity must build with the spirit. Matter is earthly and 
evanescent; the spiritual immortal. Prospero spoke truly in saying: 



28 

"And like the baseless. fabric of tliis vision, 
The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces. 
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,' 
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve. 
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, 
Leave not a rack behind." 

True it is that, the plan of this great building concurs with its 
materials to I'esist decay; that it will combine, in an extraordinary 
degree, architectural beauty and massive strength. Built, as it will 
be. of brick, of ii'on, and of granite, tire cannot consume it, and it 
would seem that the tooth of time itself can hardly waste or weaken 
it. But, though the lightning may not rive, nor the earthquake 
shatter it, and though the tornado fail to dislodge its topmost stone, 
the ever-wasting hand of time must wear, disfigure and destroy it. 
The little lichens will eat into the solid rocks, however smooth; 
mosses will i-est upon and draw sapping moisture to it; and wild 
grasses will find place for their roots in its crevices and crannies. 
And then, too, no art can stay. the invisible forces which war 
against our works, and, sooner or later, drag them to the ground. 
Varying moisture and unequal tempt'rature, expanding here and 
contracting there, the faces and parts of the strongest building, 
grind, loosen, disintegrate; and it is folly to believe that the wit 
and strength of man can give birth to an edifice which will effectu- 
ally resist those powers which are continually degrading the solid 
hills and casting down the moun tarns, and which would make the 
whole earth a plain were they not counteracted by the volcano and 
the earthquake. But I anticipate the desolation or the abandon- 
ment of tins great building from no such causes. In fancy I rejoice 
in the coldness, and perchance the scoi'n with which a near poster- 
ity will regard what we look upon as a wonder — the eagerness with 
which they will demolish or surrender it to humbler uses. Pro- 
gress, eternal progress in evei'ything that ennobles and purifies, is the 
law of every portion of oar race whei'e civilization rests upon 
Christianity." No generation can make assured provision for the 
needs and tastes of its successors. Were it otherwise there would 
be stagnation, corruption, moral and intellectual death. 

WE SHOULD THANK THE GOOD GOD 

for the restless energy, the longing for the further and the higher 
which He has implanted in our nature. No age ever has been, 
none ever will be, able to declare to a coming one: " I have attained 
the highest height, and you can go no higiier — repose here and be 
content." 

We are justly proud of our rural population, of their intelligence 
and virtue, of "their liberal thrift, of their ready skill, of the ad- 
vances in their art and science, by which they make their lands 
teem with plenty. But their children, and their children's children, 
to the very end of time, will eschew old ways and old routine, strike 
out new paths to agricultural success, and open new springs of 



29 

happiness and wealth. We have great reason to be proud of our 
young and vigorous city; but the very best of our achievements 
will pale and fade into forgettulness in the fresh splendors of our 
posterity. The passing generation have deserved high commenda- 
tion, and the coming one — thank Heaven ! — cannot, will not prove 
a sensuous idler; it will far overpass our goal ; it will lay deep and 
strong foundations which we have barely pUmned; it will be wiser, 
more virtuous and more liberal than we are, 'and will shed new 
lustre on our dear city. 

Is Buffalo and Erie county to be content for a century, for half 
a century, with this noble building as the seat of city and county 
authority and office ? Are they, after their prodigious growth, to 
suddenly cease growing, and that, too, while the whole country is 
advancing in prosperity and every city is expanding? What great 
public building in the United States of America has proved suffi- 
cient for the requirements of three successive generations? The 
City Hall of the city of New York when freshly built, was greeted 
by its people with rapture as a triumph of architectui-e, and as suf- 
ficient for the city's uses for many ages. What is the judgment of 
the present generation, and what is the fate of that squat, dingy, 
worn mass of marble? The Capitol of the nation, once deemed 
ample and magnificent, has been almost obliterated by addition and 
superadded richness. Our own State Capitol, fraught with so many 
great and precious memories, is doomed. One year ago this very 
day the corner-stone of the new Capitol was laid, and in a few years 
not one stone of the old Capitol will be left upon another. 

Would that the great tower of this new City and County Hall 
were completed, so that we could rise 

TWO HUNDRED FEET ABOVE OUR PRESENT LEVEL 

and stand in the observatory, and look around and ponder on the 
scene. Let us attempt it in imagination! We barely glance at the 
collossal statues of Justice, Industry, Commerce and Art, for we see 
the very things themselves in the Heavens above us and in the land- 
scape at our feet. Afar off in the south, blue hills end our extremest 
view and border the rich expanse of plain, dotted with happy villages 
and towns which curve eastward and far north. The whole coun- 
try is alive with labor and with the rush of business and of pleas- 
ure. The roads radiating from the city in all directions are 
thronged with vehicles of every kind. On the west, and apparently 
so near that we can chuck a biscuit into it, sleeps Lake Erie, the 
first, if not the fairest of the great chain of mountain lakes — an 
opening to a navigation of thousands of miles, a ready access to a 
country almost as broad as Europe and richer far. It is whitened 
by not unfrequent sails, and above its green waters float the frequent 
trains of smoking propellers hurrying to and from our harbor. The 
fair coast of Canada confrobts us smilingly. The mighty Niagara 
like molten silver gleams northward till its own curvings hide it, 
but the stationary cloud beyond betrays its presence and marks the 



30 

position of the great Cataract, and proclaims the fact that commerce 
by water, beyond Buffalo, is barred by nature. On every hand, in 
every direction upon the land, you see long trains of cars impelled 
by locomotives toward and from us. You notice, too, that com- 
merce, impatient of the least delay, is bridgiug, the wide, deep, 
rushing river. The harbor, once so contracted, is now capacious, 
and saucy little tugs are pulling leviathans hither and thither with 
admirable dexterity' and ease. And there, too, packed with long- 
lines of freighted Ijoats, towed by slow-paced horses, is the Erie 
canal, the populator and best friend of the great West — the author, 
and so far as we know, the sure conservator of the fortunes of 
Buffalo. 

In the city at our feet, here and there, quick puffs of steam, and 
great steady columns of smoke indicate the positions of our great 
furnaces and forges, and workshops and factories of innumerous 
kinds. And then the beauty of the city ; but I will not dilate 
on that. We rest content with stating that the main features of 
this wondrous picture are the growth of less than fifty years, and 
that no cause of that growth has ceased to act; that each and every 
cause of it is now acting, and must act for ages' with increasing 
power. And then we may well remember that the business men 
and capitalists of Buffalo have enlarged their views. Time was 
when every one seemed to believe that commerce — meaning thereby 
the carrying trade — was all in all to Buffalo. Now the great truth 
that* our manufactures are a chief aliment of true commerce is con- 
ceded, and they are Justly regarded as of cardinal importance to 
our city. Time was when our citizens seemed to value the Erie 
Canal rather than the commerce of which it is chief conduit. Now, 
the beneficence of railroads as instruments of commerce is appre- 
ciated, and we seek by them to add to our resources and extend our 
trade. 

I would not undervalue the past, but it seems clear to me that it 
was not equal to the present power, in energy, in judgment. We 
have been blessed by Providence. Corn will soon be scattered, and 
wine and oil be poured upon our selected corner-stone, as emblems 
of His blessings. Our history seems to show that our material 
prosperity is largely dependent upon the things themselves. At the 
outset of her career, corn flowed through Buffalo westward to sus- 
tain the crowds of emigrants; but, in a few years, the tide of cereals 
was reversed, and Buffalo enriched by it. Of late years the wine 
has become a favorite object of culture and covers our shores and 
islands; and the wine that gladdens and refreshes the heart of man 
must find here a central market. We must be content to rely upon 
the Mediterranean for the oil of the olive; but Buffalo can draw to 
her that more precious and abundant oil which God stored for us, 
in the beginning, in the depths of the rocks; and we must not 
rest until this, too, is achieved. 

I fear that I am detaining you too long; but I cannot close with- 
out reminding you again that only the spiritual is immortal, and 
that the house eternal in the heavens is not made with hands, but 



31 

by the exercise of virtue. This building is now to be consecrated 
to Justice, and to official fidelity and honor. It will be indirectly 
devoted to God's worship, a temple for the illustration of these 
virtues. If they be wanting, His favor will be withdrawn, and the 
temple will be worse than vacant. May justice never be delayed or 
bartered here ; may honor and honesty and unwearying vigilance 
guard here our people's rights and interests. The place is holy. 
My soul is sick with the long delay of punishment, the probable 
immunity of corrupt judges and plunderers of the public. I pray 
that the people may watch over these buildings, aiid if sellers of 
justice and public cheats should establish here their tables and their 
trades, who could blame a justly indignant people for scourging 
them out with knotted chords? May God grant that the corner- 
stone which will now be proven square, level, and plumb, remain 
so forever ; and that all thg work which shall be done in this build- 
ing may stand at the last day the tests of the unerring square, and 
level, and plumb. 

Then followed the Masonic ceremonies, Grand Master Chris- 
topher G. Fox officiating. 

.INSCRIPTION ON THE PLATE. 

The following is the inscription on the plate deposited under 
the corner-stone : 

The Corner-stone of this City and County Hall, erected by the 
City of Buffalo and County of Erie, was laid in Masonic form by 
the M. W. Christopher G. Fox, Grand Master of Masons in the 
State of New York, on the day of the Festival of St. John the 
Baptist, A. L. 5872, A. D. 1873. 

His Excellency, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States. 

His Excellency, John T. Hoffman, Governor of the State of 
New York. 

His Honor, Alexander Brush, Mayor of the City of Buffalo. 

The Commissioners of the Building, James M. Smith, Chairman; 
Dennis Bowen, Albert P. Laning, Allen Potter, Jasper B. Youngs, 
James Adams, George S. Wardwell, John Nice and Philip Becker. 

Architect — Andrew J. Warner. 

Superintendent — Samuel H. Fields. 

Clerk — Frederick Masten. 

DEPOSITED IN THE BOX. 

The following is a list of the articles deposited in the box under 
the corner-stone. 

1. Gold, silver, nickel and copper coins of the United States, of 
the latest coinage. 



32 



2. DAILY NEWSPAPEES. 

Buffalo Com.mercinl, Advertiser, June 22d. 
Evening Courier and Republic, June 22d. 
Buffalo Evening Post, June 22d. 
Daily Buffalo Demokrat, June 22d. 
Daily Buff'ido Volksfre.urid, June 22d. 
Buffalo Telegraph (Sunday edition), June 23d. 
Buffalo Daily Courier, June 24th. 
Bujf'alo Express, June 24th. 

3. BOUND VOLUMES. 

The New York Civil List, 1871. 

Manual for use of the Legislature of the State of New 
York, 1872. 

Charter and Ordinances of the City of Buffalo (last edition), 1867. 
Buff^ilo City Directory, 1871. 
City Comptroller's Report, 1871. 

4. PAMPHLETS. 

Report of the Superintendent' of Education of the City of 
Buffalo, 1871. 

Statistics of the Trade and Commerce of Buffalo, 1871. 

Pi-oceedings of the Board of Supervisors of Erie County, 1871. 

Revised Charter of the Citv of Buffalo, 1872. 

Third Annual Report of the Buffalo City Water Works, 1871. 

Second Liaugural Message of Hou. Alexander Brush, Mayor of 
Buffalo, 1872. 

Annual Report of the Superintendent of the Fire Depart- 
ment, 1871. 

Thirty-sixth Annual Report of the Executive Committee of the 
Young Men's Association, 1872. 

Second Annual Report of the Bufl'alo Park Commissioners, 1872. 

5. MANUSCRIPTS. 

Sketch of the History of Buffalo, and of the Commission for the 
erection of the City and County Hall, written in the German 
language. 

Sketch of the History of the City and County Hall, written on 
parchment, in the English language. 

Civil List of the City and County officers for the year 1872, writ- 
ten on parchment. 

BY THE MASONS. 

6. The Constitution and the General Regulations of the M. W. 
Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of 
Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. 



33 

7. A Tableau of the Masonic bodies in the County of Erie, June 
M, 1872. 

8. A list of the officers of the Grand Lodge for the year 1872. 

After the conclusion of the prescribed Masonic rites, came a 
prayer by the Kev. L. J. Fletcher, an artillery salute, the playing of 
"America" by the band, and the whole closed with the benediction 
by the Rev. E. R. Bishop, Rector of St. Luke's church. 

THE STATUES. 

The four granite statues which adorn the tower were procured at 
the cost of 122,000, as noted above. The first of these — "Justice " — 
was raised to its place on the fifth day of July, 1875, and the others 
within a few days after. The positions occupied by the several 
figures are as follows : 

North-east corner — "Justice." 
North-west corner — "Mechai^ic Aets." 
South-east corner — "Ageicultuee." 
South-west corner — " Commeece." 

The statues are 16 feet in height, they weigh 14 tons each, and 
were cut from solid blocks of granite. 

HEATINa AND VENTILATION. 

The heating apparatus, furnished by the Walworth Manufactur- 
ing Company, is very complete, and in the arrangement many miles 
of pipes have been used. The details of the system are quite compli- 
cated, and would scarcely be of interest, but a general idea may be 
gained from the following : 

The building is warmed throughout by steam, on the principle of 
indirect and direct radiation. Indirectly by placing the radiating 
surface in the basement, and connecting the same with underground 
plenums, these being supplied with air taken in and forced through 
by means of two ten-inch fans, operated by the engines, the capacity 
being sufficient to send Ihrough the building 136,000 cubic feet of 
air per minute. In summer these same fans take in cold air, and 
force it through the pipes in all parts of the building. This pro- 
duces a thorough ventilation in all the rooms, which are furnished 
with registers for taking off the vitiated air into flues which termi- 



34 

nate in the attic, from whence it is conducted out through the ven- 
tilators on the roof. Kegisters are also placed in the rooms for the 
purpose of letting off the air in case it should becouie overheated. 
As an auxiliary to this method, direct radiators have been placed 
under the windows in the different rooms, to be used only in ex- 
treme cold weather. The air is taken through cloth screens, so as 
to eliminate all particles of dirt and dust. The fans can be used so 
that, if necessary,'the air in all parts of the building can be changed 
once in twenty minutes. The necessary pipes, &c., were put in by 
Messrs. Hart, Ball & Hart, as agents for the Walworth Company. 

THE METHOD OF LIGHTING 

includes chandeliers from two lights up to thirty-six, and of a pat- 
ent designed expressly for this building. There are also a requisite 
number of desk-lights, side-lights, &c., in the different apartments. 
The chandeliers are bronzed, with gold and black ornamentation, 
and when lighted up they certainly look very handsome. These fix- 
tures were furnished by Messrs. Mitchell, Vance & Co., for which 
firm Messrs. Glenny & Co. are agents. There are two large and 
graceful standards at each of the entrances, for exterior illumination. 
These standards are each about sixteen feet in height, and are fur- 
nished with five globe lights, each sixteen inches in diameter, the 
whole finished in silvered bronze. 

APPEARANCE OF THE INTERIOR. 

The opinion is generally concurred in by those who have visited 
the building, that it is one which does not " sho\y for what it is 
worth" on the outside. And now, that it is open to the public, 
the prevailing sentiment will be that of astonishment both at the 
magnitude and elegance of the interior. Unquestionably, a much 
better idea of the extent of the structure can be obtained from the 
main floor of the first story than from any outside view. The spa- 
cious halls, the massive stairways and columns, the marble floors, 
the finely adorned walls, the handsome black walnut wood-work, 
must all be seen to be appreciated. One ornamental feature, which 
may properly be mentioned in this connection, has a peculiarly fine 
effect. Standing on the main floor and looking up, the spectator 
will see that the openings under the sky-lights have been filled with 
beautiful stained glass set in iron frames. This work was done by 
Messrs. Booth & Reister, of Buffalo. 



35 



IN THE FURNITURE 



of the different offices, an admirable nniforniity is preserved. All 
the furniture — and the fixtures of every kind — being made accord- 
ing to special plans, this general uniformity is the result. The 
wood-work, including all the office-desks, chairs, &c., is of black 
walnut, and what is not walnut — the railings, the finishings of the 
stairs, &c. — is bronzed. The iron columns throughout are also 
finished in bronze, and thus all the metal work shows as one quality 
of metal. In many of the offices are large glass partitions, and the 
doors are also of glass. It is a gratifying fact that all this fine fur- 
niture was made in Buffalo, by Messrs. Weller, Brown & Mesmer, 
Joseph Churchyard, Clarke, Holland & Co., A. Cutler & Son, and A. 
Eaeker. The carpets upon the floors of the General Term Court 
room and Mayor's office are of the finest quality of Wilton. In all 
other rooms, iAie carpeting is of the kind known as American Brussels, 
of simple pattern, and the colors harmonizing well with the wood- 
work. 

The name of each office or department is inscribed over its door 
in large gilt letters, traced on the glass, and each office is numbered. 
Four large tablets u]ion the walls near the Franklin street entrance 
give the " directory " of the offices, also in gilt letters. The corridors, 
are all finished with marble wainscoting, that in the lobby being of 
the Tennessee and Glens Falls varieties, and inlaid with a border of 
encaustic tile. The floors in the corridor are marble, and in the 
first story this extends into the diflTerent offices to the line of thfr 
counters. The walls in the corridors and offices, and the ceilings, 
are beautifully tinted. 

THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBER 

has been fitted up in the most elegant manner. The central partis, 
exclusively for the members and heads of departments, the seats of 
the aldermen being arranged in two semi-circles, facing the Presi- 
dent's desk, which is raised, and looks considerably like a modern 
pulpit. In front of this is the City Clerk's desk, and on either side 
are smaller ones, to be used by newspaper reporters. Back of the 
President's seat is an entablature, projecting from the wall twelve 
feet, and forming a lobby for the members' entrance. On either 
side of the business portion of the Chamber is the space allotted to 
spectators, provided with comfortable settees, and with sufficient 
capacity for some six hundred persons. Three tastefully-orna- 



36 

mented committee rooms are located at each end of the Chamber. 
All the black walnut wood-work is elaborately carved, and orna- 
mented with gold lines. Altogether, the city fathers are to be con- 
gratulated upon the elegant and comfortable arrangement of their 
new apartment. 

In the General Term Court room are hung the portraits of 

about twenty deceased eminent jurists and members of the bar in 

. Buffalo and vicinity. There is also a full-length portrait of the 

first Mayor of Buffalo, Dr. Ebenezer Johnson, in the Mayor's office. 

THE TOWER-CLOCK AND ELECTRIC DIALS. 

Among the many features of general interest which the building 
possesses, not the least is the wonderful system of electric clocks, 
running in direct connection with the great clock in the tower. 
There are no less than twenty-eight of these time-pieces, or dials, as 
they are called, connected with the tower-clock by three electric 
circuits. By this arrangement absolute uniformity of time is in- 
sured throughout the building. This system of electric clocks, is 
believed to be the largest in the country, and since it has been put in 
operation, has worked in the most satisfactory manner. The tower 
clock and electric dials were furnished by Messrs. E. Howard & 
Co., of Boston, and the work of putting them in was under the 
supervision of Messrs. Joseph Vreeland and J. Hamblet, employees 
of the firm. It is claimed by them that the tower-clock is the 
heaviest and most substantial in the country. 

ITS SUPERIORITY TO THE CLOCK 

in the IS^ew York Tribune, building consists in the fact that the lat- 
ter does not strike the hours. The striking apparatus in the City 
Hall is considered perfect. The hammer weighs one hundred 
pounds, and the bell — cast by Jones, of Troy — four thousand seven 
hundred pounds. It is a rather fatiguing experience to climb up 
the narrow iron winding stairway of the tower to the lofty point 
where the clock is located, but whoever does so is well repaid, on 
examining the complicated mechanism. The dials, which look but 
little larger than the full moon from the streets in the immediate 
vicinity, are in reality nine feet in diameter. The reflectors by 
which the light of the gas-jets is concentrated upon the dials, are 
singularly shaped, with special reference to utilizing all the light. 
The pendulum is of the kind known as "compensating," and it has 



37 

a two-second movement. It is hung upon very delicate steel 
springs, and its movements are made with the utmost precision. 
Instead of the old " dead-beat " escapement, a far more nicely- 
adjusted combination is used, being the new gravity-escapement, 
invented by Mr. Dennison, of London, and introduced in this 
country by Mr. Howard. The gravity-escapement is connected 
with the pendulum by simple yet delicate mechanism. By this es- 
capement the motion is communicated to the pendulum. On each 
side of the pendulum-rod is an iron arm suspended from one end 
obliquely. As the escapement- wheel turns, small pins on its axes 
raise the free end of one of these arms by means of levers. As the 
pendulum reaches the termination of its path, the arm is released, 
and its weight, pressing against the pendulum, drives it to the other 
side, where the operation is repeated. The motion is carried to the 
four dials above by a revolving iron rod. The arrangement for 
illuminating the dials is very complete, and is regulated by the 
clock itself. The valve through which the gas reaches the large 
burners behind each dial is turned by ingenious machinery. A small 
jet is kept burning all the time, but the amount of gas consumed is 
very trifling. Screws are so arranged as to turn on the gas at any 
hour desired. A reverse arrangement automatically turns olf the 
gas at the proper time in the morning. 

Since the clock was first set in motion by Mayor Becker, at four 
o'clock on the afternoon of February 5th, everything has worked 
satisfactorily. The clock, which has already become the standard 
of Buffalo time, is warranted not to vary, and a gentleman con- 
nected with the firm of Howard & Co. enthusiastically informed the 
Mayor that it Avould run with invariable correctness for fifty 
years, and then an expenditure of fifty dollars would put it in per- 
fect order again. 

FURNISHING MATERIAL. 

The following is a complete list of the parties furnishing mate- 
rial, &c., for the structure. 

The granite for the building, including the statues, was furnished 
by Mark & St. John, from Clark's Island, Maine. 

The brick were furnished by Brush Brothers, of Buffalo. 

The sand by Chandler J. Wells, of Buffalo. 

The doors and sashes in the whole building were made by Weller, 
Brown & Mesmer, of Buffalo. 

The wainscoting was furnished by Joseph Churchyard, of Buffalo. 



38 

The furniture and most of the work in the first story was fur- 
nished by Clarke, Holland & Co., of Buffalo. They also "furnished 
the inside shutters. 

In the second story by Joseph Churchyard. 

In the third story by Weller, Brown & Mesmer. 

The marble work has been furnished by John Crawford, of 
Buffalo. 

Mr, Raeker, and A. Cutler & Son, of Buffalo, have also furnished 
a portion of the furniture. 

The lead pipe, paint and oil, by the Cornell Lead Company, of 
Buffalo. 

The carpets by Adam, Meldrum & Anderson, L. H. Chester & 
Co., and Stewart Elder, of Buffalo. 

The gas fixtures by Mitchell, V^ance & Co., of New York. 

The bell by Octavius Jones, of Troy. 

The clocks by E. Howard & Co., of Xew York and Boston. 

The plumbing by Irlbacker & Davis, of Buffalo. 

The gas-fitting by Htirt, Ball & Hart, of Buffalo. 

The stone walks by C. H. Eathbun, of Buffalo. 

The chairs by Weller, Brown & Mesmer; Schlund & Doll, and 
Mr. Bensler, of Buffalo. 

The iron beams by the Union Iron Company, of Buffalo. 

The iron columns by Eobcrt Dunbar, of Buffalo. 

The iron stairs, window grates and lamp posts by the Howard 
Iron Works, of Buffalo. 

The safes by Hall's Safe and Lock Company, of Cincinnati. 

The plate glass by the Star Glass Company, of New Alba- 
ny, Ind. 

The iron finish to the tower by the Niagara Bridge Works, of 
Buffalo. 

The locks and door hinges by Valentine Brothers, of Bufftilo. 

The Cement by the Akron Cement Company, of Buffjilo. 

The conductor pipes by L. P. Beyer & Co., of Buffalo. 

The lime by Youngs Brothers, of Buffalo.- 

The foundation stone by Nicholas Uebelhoer, of BuflFalo. 

The heating apparatus by the Walworth Manufacturing Com- 
pany, of Boston. 

The slating of the roof by John Gait, of Buffalo. 

The slating of the tower by McSheff'rey & Maxwell, of Buffalo. 

The lettering of the glass over the doors by F. B. Scott, of 
Buffalo. 

The lettering of the tablets in the vestibule by J. C. Eother, of 
Buffalo. 

Jewett & Root, of Buffalo, furnished tin for roof. 

W. H. H. Newman, of Buffalo, furnished copper for gutters as 
valleys. 

Hurley & Stygall, of Buffalo, did the copper and tin work of gut- 
ter and roof. 



39 

Scatcherd & Belton, of Buffalo, furnished the black walnut and 
Georgia pine lumber. 

Laycock Brothers, of Buffalo, furnished the Norway pine roofing 
timber. 

Baker Brothers, of Buffalo, furnished the window weights. 

E. Y. Kneeland, of Buffalo, furnished the special stair to the 
tower. 

Mr. James F. Rowley has superintended the painting and finish 
of the inside work. 

The foundation walls and a portion of the first story were laid 
under the superintendence of Thomas F. Eeynolds. 

The remaining portion of the walls was laid, and the plastering 
done under the superintendence of John Druar. 

THE TOTAL COST. 

The total amount of expenditures for the work up to the first of 
March, 1876, according to the Secretary's books, was $1,328,675.78. 

It is believed that the total cost, after removing the old city 
buildings, improving and beautifying the grounds, and paying all 
incidental expenses, will be considerably less than the authorized 
^appropriation by the Legislature of $1,450,000. This circum- 
stance is so unusual that it deserves special mention, and reflects 
^reat credit upon the Building Commissioners. 



40 



FROM THE OLD TO THE NEW. 



CEREMONIES. OBSERVED IN LEAVING THE OLD BUILDINGS AND 
ENTERING THE NEW HALL. 



In" view of the completion of tlie City and County Hall, the 
Common Council, at its regular meeting held on the twenty-eighth 
day of February, 1876, appointed a special committee, consisting^ 
of President A. S. Bemis, and Aldermen A. L. Lothridge, Nathan 
C. Simons, and Elijah Ambrose, and Clerk E. D. Ford, to make 
suitable arrangements for a formal occupancy of the building. 



ACTION OF THE BAR. 

Soon after the above mentioned action of the Council, Hon. C. 
W. Clinton, Chief Judge of the Superior Court, believing that 
some public demonstration should be made on the part of the legal 
profession in the matter, prepared and submitted to members of 
the bar the following paper: 

"It is announced that on Monday, the 13th inst. , the new City and County 
Hall M^ill be open for the reception of all our Courts of Record. It seems 
to us im])Ossible that the gentlemen of our benches and bar can bid fare- 
well to tlie old Court House without a feeling of regret; and we venture 
to .«uggt:'st the propriety of their assembling therein at two o'clock P. M., of 
Saturday next, for the purpose of a free interchange of memories and social 
intercourse. 

Buffalo, March 7, 1876. 

To this document the uames of a majority of the fraternity in 
Buffalo were soon attached, and a meeting of the bar, to consider 
the subject, was called, by notice in the daily papers, for Wednes- 
day, Lhe eighth of March, in the Clinton street Court House. 



41 



THE FIRST MEETING. 

In response to the published call a largely attended meeting of 
members of the bar of the city and county was held for the purpose 
of making some arrangements preliminary to a proper observance 
of the abandonment of the venerable structures in which justice 
has for so long a series of years been dispensed, and the occupation 
of the splendid quarters provided for the courts in the new City 
and County Hall, 

The meeting was called to order shortly after four o'clock, and 
Hon. James M. Humphrey elected chairman. Mr. George Gorham 
was appointed secretary. 

Hon. H. S. Cutting, after the object of the meeting had been 
briefly explained by the chairman, moved that a committee of five 
be appointed to prepare a programme of exercises to be observed,^ 
and the motion was adopted. 

Judge James M. Smith, referring to a paper which had been cir- 
culated among the members of the bar, said the explanation was 
due those who had not signed it, that it was drawn by Judge Clin- 
ton, and was intended only for the purpose of ascertaining whether 
the members were desirous of a public observance of the occasion 
or not. It simply contemplated that some meeting should be held 
for that purpose. After being quite generally circulated, the sig- 
natures to the paper evidenced that a large number of the lawyers 
favored the proposed celebration. The paper had thus accom- 
plished its purpose, and on its heels this meeting followed. 

Josiah Cook, Esq., was in favor of instructing the committee to 
have the proceedings wind up with a grand supper, at which the 
entire bar of Buffalo might unite. 

E. Carlton Sprague, Esq., warmly seconded the idea of a banquet. 
Never had the members of the bar of Bufiklo got together in a 
social way, and he believed it time that a more social feeling, which 
would be beneficial all around, was inaugurated. 

Hon. J. M. Humphrey suggested that the committee of which the 
appointment had been already ordered would have their hands full, 
and he advised the appointment of a second committee to ascertain 
if a supper were advisable, and, if so, to arrange for it. Mr. Cook 
put this suggestion in the form of a motion, and it was carried. 
Some discussion was entered into concerning the proposed banquet. 
The project seemed to receive very general favor, and Monday night 
was suggested as the proper time for it. 



42 

Judge Smith read the paper, drawn by Judge Clinton, above re- 
ferred to, and asked those present, who had not already signed, to 
attach their signatures to it if its contents contained nothing ob- 
jectionable to them. He further stated that it was to be deposited 
with the Historical Society. 

The paper was thereupon signed by those present who had not 
already done so. 

The chair announced as the Committee of Arrangements, Messrs. 
H. S. Cutting, George Wadsworth, Spencer Clinton, W. 0. Bryant 
and David F. Day ; and as the Supper Committee, Messrs. E. C. 
Sprague, Josiah Cook, A'sher P. Nichols, B. H. Williams and Wm. 
H. Gurney. 

The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, the eleventh 
inst., at 3 o'clock p. m. 

THE PROaRAMME. 

The Committee of Arrangements appointed on the eighth inst., 
subsequently published their report of the proposed programme, as 
follows: 

The undersigned committee appointed at a meeting of the bar, 
held on the eighth instant, have arranged as follows, for taking 
suitable notice of the occasion of transferring the business of the 
courts from the old Court House to the new City and County Hall: 

The members of the bar of the county are requested to meet at 
the old Court House, on Washington street, on Saturday next, at 3 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

Hon. George E. Babcock has consented to preside, and the fol- 
lowing named gentlemen have been invited, and have consented to 
address the meeting : Hon. George R. Babcock, Hon. James Shel- 
don, Hon. George W. Clinton, Hon. John L. Talcott, and Hon. 
James M. Smith. 

It is recommended that at the close of the proceedings, the meet- 
ing be adjourned to Monday morning next, at 10 o'clock, and that 
the members of the bar then proceed in a body to the new City and 
County Hall. 



Buffalo, March XQ, 1876. 



Harmon" S. Cutting, 
Geoege Wadsworth, 
Spencer Clinton", 
David F. Day, 
William C. Bryant, 

Committee. 



43 



THE SECOND MEETING. 

The adjourned meeting of Saturday, March 11th, was largely 
attended by members of the legal profession, and others interested 
in the proposed transfer ceremonies. It was called to order by the 
Hon. H.'S. Cutting, who stated its object briefly, and what had been 
done by the Committee of Arrangements, of which he was chairman. 
He closed by nominating the Hon. George R. Babcock as chairman, 
which was carried unanimously. Mr. Babcock then took the chair, 
and Mr. George Gorham was chosen secretary. 

Judge James Sheldon, of 'the Superior Court, having been re- 
quested to prepare some historical statements with reference to the 
early history of the county and the old Court House, submitted the 
following paper : 

ADDRESS OF HON. JAMES SHELDON. 

The old county of Niagara, of which Buffalo was the county seat, 
was organized by an act of the Legislature, passed March 11, 1808. 
The present county of Erie was not organized until 1821. By the 
act of 1808, the erection of a court house and jail in the village of 
Buffalo, or New Amsterdam, was authorized, provided the Holland 
Land Company should erect the same within three years and con- 
vey the sites to the county. The same act provided that the first 
Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions for Niagara county 
should be held at the house of Joseph Landon, in the village of 
New Amsterdam. In pursuance of the law, the 

FIEST COURT HELD IN BUFFALO 

was held at Mr. Landon's public house in June, 1808. It was a well 
known and established tavern-stand, built of wood and situated on 
inner lot number one on the south side of Crow, now Exchange, 
street, and a little east of Main street, where the easterly part of the 
Mansion House now stands, and was destroyed by the British and 
Indians at the time of the burning of the village in December, 1813. 
Augustus Porter, of Niagara Falls, was the first judge, and Eras- 
tus Granger, of Buffalo, and Zattu Gushing, James Brooks and 
Martin Prendergast, of Chautauqua, were the puis7ie judges. Asa 
Eansom was the first sheriff, and Louis Le Couteulx the first clerk 
of the county. Buffalo, at that time, was a mere hamlet, with but 
a few hundred inhabitants, and known only as a western frontier 
settlement. No court had, before that, been held in Western New 
York, except at Batavia, and the opening of the first term of court 
at Buffalo was an event of interest and importance. 



44 

In Turner's ''History of the Holland Purcliase," it is stated that 
"the attorneys of Niagara county, at the time of its organization, 
were Ebeuezer Walden, Jonas Harrison, Truman Smith, John Eoot, 
Heman B. Potter, Allen Sharpe, Bates Cook and Philo Andrews. 
These are all that are i-ecollected as practicing attorneys before the 
war of 1812." Jonathan E. Chaplin was here in 1812, Albert H. 
Tracy, James Sheldon and E. S. Stewart came in 1815, and Wil- 
liam Hotchkiss, Thomas C. Love, Ebenezer F. Norton and' William 
A. Moseley soon after. 

In pursuance of the act of 1808, the Holland Land Company 

EEECTED A COURT HOUSE 

building and jail in the year 1810. The jail was built of stone, 
and was situated on inner lots 184 and 185, on the east side of 
Washington street, between Clinton and Eagle streets, where the 
Darrow block now stands. The British fired it when the village 
was taken, but it suffered little damage, and was rebuilt after the 
war. Our old citizens well remember it, fronting on Washington 
street, and surrounded on three sides by tall, Avooden pickets, sharp- 
ened at the top and set firmly in the ground. It was demolished 
about the year 1834, when Benjamin Eathbun erected the present 
jail, of which he became, not long after, an occupant as a felon. 

The Court House was a wooden structure, standing in front of the 
present Court House. The deed was executed by Wilhelm Willink 
and others, who composed the Holland Land Company, and who 
are therein described as residing in the city of Amsterdam, in the 

EEPUBLIC OF BATAVIA. 

It was dated November 21, 1810, and recorded December 8, 1810, 
in Liber one of Deeds, at page 62, and conveys to the Supervisors of 
Niagara County, the property described as follows: 

" That certain piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in 
the village of New Amsterdam, being one-half of an acre on which 
the Court House in said village has been erected by the Holland 
Land Company and accepted by the judges of said county for the 
Court House of said county, conformably to the fourth enacting 
clause of an act of the Legislature of the State of New York passed 
March 11, 1808; the said half an acre of land to be laid out in a 
circle, the center of the Court House aforesaid to be the center of 
the circle according to a plan on the margin" of the deed. On ref- 
erence to the record, the circle is seen, and its center is the center 
of North Onondaga street, now Washington street, directly in front 
of the present edifice. This point was the highest elevation of 
ground in the village of Buftalo, the land descending from it in 
every direction, and was undoubtedly chosen for a Court House site 
on account of its conspicuous situation. 



45 



JOSEPH ELLICOTT, 



the agent of the Holland Land Company, chose to convey the 
ground in the form of a circle, but no reason has ever been assigned 
for such a curious proceeding. 

The building was built of wood, plain in every respect, but 
proper for the purposes designed. In addition to its use as a Court 
House, it was the only place for public assemblages and was gen- 
erally used for such purposes. The first church of any denomi- 
nation organized in Buffalo, and which is the one now known as 
the First Presbyterian Church, was organized in that court-room on 
the twelfth of February, 1812, by the Rev. Thaddeus Osgood, an itin- 
erant missionary. Judge Townsend, in his description of Buffalo 
in 1811, mentio'ns " the old stone jail on Washington street and an 
unfinished wooden Court House;" and we find, by reference to the 
proceedings of the Board of Supervisors of Niagara County, which 
are on file in the archives of the Historical Society, that on the fifth of 
October, 1811, only a year after the buildings were accepted by the 
judges, it was voted that 1500 should be raised by tax for the pur- 
pose of repairing them, and Nathaniel Sill, Jotham Bemis and 
Samuel Hill, Jr., were appointed a committee to superintend the 
work. This Court House continued to be used until its destruc- 
tion by the British in December, 1813, when the 

WHOLE VILLAG'e WAS LAID IN ASHES. 

In the spring of 1814, the people gradually returned to the village 
and commenced the work of rebuilding with great ardor. Buffalo 
was the headquarters of the army, and dwellings, stores and taverns 
were erected in great haste for the transaction of business and the 
accommodation of the public. A notice appears in the Buffalo 
Gazette of June 7, 1814, of which this is a copy: 

*' Niagara County Clerk's Office, ss : 

Notice is hereby given that the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of 
said county have appointed the house of John Brunson in the village of 
BuflFalo to be the temporary Court House for said county. 

May 2.3, 1814. Zenas Barker, Clerk." 

The house referred to was the wood tavernthen just erected where 
the Academy of Music now stands on Main street, and subsequently 
known as the Farmer's Hotel, kept for many years by Manning Case, 
Avho was succeeded by Philip Uorsheimer. 

On the seventh of April, 1815, an act was passed by the Legislature 
authorizing the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas to order and 
direct the place at which courts should be held until a Court House 
was erected. In pursuance thereof on the twenty-ninth of April, 
1815, the judges ''ordered and directed that the courts should be 
held at the house of Gil man Folsom, at present occupied by Moses 
Baker & Co. in the village of Buffalo." This house was situate as 
nearly as can be ascertained, on the east side of Main street, be- 
tween Mohawk and Genesee streets, and at that place all courts were 
held until the present edifice 



46 

WAS OCCUPIED i]sr 1817. 

On the twenty-fourth of March, 1815, the Legislature authorized 
the supervisors of Niagara county to raise the sum of four thousand 
dollars, by taxation, for the purpose of building a Court House, and 
Samuel Tupper, then first Judge, and Joseph Landon and Oziel 
Smith, were appointed commissioners to contract for and superin- 
tend its erection. No action was taken under that law, but another 
act was passed on the seventeenth of April, 1816, by which the 
State loaned to the county of Niagara the sum of 15,000, for the 
purpose of building a Court House, and appointing Joseph Landon, 
Samuel Tupper and Jonas Williams, Commissioners. 

The village authorities had resolved that Washington street should 
be continued in a direct line through the circle on which Mr. Elli- 
cott had erected the Court House, which left a segment of the circle 
on each side of the street. By some negotiation the county ac- 
quired the title to that part of the block bounded westerly by 
Washington street, northerly by Batavia street, and southerly by 
Clinton street, which is now, in part, occupied by this Court House, 
and the commissioners early in the spring commenced the work of 
building what was then considered the largest and most beautiful 
structure in Western New York. . The remainder of the block 
fronting on Ellicott street was subsequently acquired by the county 
from Sheldon Thompson and others, for the purpose of erecting 
the present jail. 

In the Buffalo Gazette of September_24, 1816, the following an- 
nouncement appeared: 

" The walls of the Court House, which was commenced in the early part of 
the season, are erected; we learn that the carpenter and joiner work of the 
building are progressing. If tlie house is finished in the style it has com- 
menced, it will be an ornament to the village; uniting elegance with durabil- 
ity, and will be creditable to the judgment and taste of the commissioners." 

Thus was commenced the venerable edifice in which we meet for 
the last time to-day. It was first occupied early in the year 1817, 
and the event probably attracted as much attention and elicited as 
much admiration as the occupation of the new City and County 
Hall in this centennial year. 

THE COURT ROOM 

was the same as now, except there was a gallery across the east end 
of the room for the use of spectators, which was removed in 1826. 
The stairway led directly up into the room from the hall below, and 
the Jury rooms were finished off in the basement. In 1836, a gen- 
eral improvement of the building was undertaken. The gallery 
was removed, and the projection at the east end where the stairs 
■ now are was built, which added very much to the public conveni- 
ence. A platform extended the whole length of the front of the 
building, nearly on a level with the main hall, and the steps were 
at each end of the platform. The present arrangement for access 



47- 

is comparatively modern. As one entered the main hall, the first 
door on the right hand opened into the county clerk's office, being the 
front part of the present sheriff's office. The second door to the right 
opened into the room occupied as the grand jury room, and by the 
board of supervisors at its annual meetings. On the left was the 
sheriff's office, where the district attorney's office now is, and the 
two small rooms were used for the deliberations of petit juries. On 
entering the court room, the sheriff's box was located between the 
doors, and the prisoner's dock was placed immediately adjoining the 
area reserved for the bar. These were both removed at the time the 
room was fitted up for the meeting of the old Court for the Correc- 
tion of Errors about the year 1841, when Lieutenant-Governor 
Luther Bradish presided. The original bench was not as large as 
the present one, and was calculated only for three judges, and it is 
believed that the one now here was built in 1847, to accommodate 
the General Term of the Supreme Court, then composed of four 
judges. In other respects, the arrangement of the court room is 
about the same as originally constructed, excepting that the petit 
jury box was of enclosed benches, in the same manner as the seats 
in the rest of the room. 

At the time the Court House was erected, it was the finest and 
most imposing edifice in the village. Situated upon the highest 
point of land in the corporation limits, it was visible from every 
direction, and from the cupola or tower, an extensive view was pre- 
sented of the village and of Lake Ei-ie and the surrounding country. 
It must be remembered that for many years the adjacent buildings 
were, with but few exceptions, only two stories in height, so that 
they offered no obstruction to the view of the splendid scenery which 
was spread before the observer. Indeed it was the custom of our 
hospitable people to escort all visitors to the tower, in order to point 
out for their admiration the 

BEOAD EXPAI^rSE OF LAKE ERIE, 

whitened by the sails of commerce, the beautiful river of Niagara 
and the shores of Canada where the historic ruins of Fort Erie were 
already growing gray with the decay of years. The Court House 
bell, which some of us have heard from infancy, not only rang to 
indicate the hours for the assembling of courts or religious or other 
public meetings, but pealed forth many an alarm when conflagra- 
tions threatened, and the villagers all hastened, carrying their 
leathern buckets from their houses, to aid in preventing the de- 
struction of the homes and property of their neighbors. 

This room, in which we are now assembled, has been the scene of 
the deliberations of the people of Buffalo upon unnumberei^ occa- 
sions of public interest. How many meetings have been held here 
to take measures to counteract the ambitious designs of those who 
would have made Black Eock the 



48 

TEEMINUS OF THE EEIE CAIf AL 

and the emporium of the West. Sheldon Smith spoke here very 
eloquently, on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1825, when Buffalo 
triumphed, and the Erie canal was opened to the world, and the vast 
concourse of people who had assembled to witness the departure of 
the first boats, moved in procession to the Court House to celebrate 
the grand event. And since that day what anxious deliberations 
have here taken place with reference to the enlargement of the canal 
and the various harbor improvements and other matters deemed im- 
portant to ensure the commercial supremacy of the city. 

A record of the political meetings, large, enthusiastic and de- 
termined, as if the welfare of the nation and the preservation of the 
constitution depended upon the fiery eloquence and solemn re- 
solves of the people assembled, would fill a volume. Clintonians 
and Bucktails, Masons and Anti-Masons, Whigs, Democrats, 
Loco-Focos, political Anti-slavery and Temperance men, Silver- 
Grays, Woolly Heads, Republicans, Free Sellers and Hard Shells, 
have each in turn, resolved and re-resolved, and the Republic yet 
lives. Here, for more than half a century, were held those annual 

COUNTY CONVENTIOlSrS 

of the several political parties where the rival claims of patriotic 
men who were anxious to serve their country in offices of trust or 
emolument, were determined by the majority vote of the delegates, 
amid rejoicings and heart-burnings and animosities, the memories of 
which we all hope have perished: 

At the time of its erection and for many years afterwards, there 
was no other large and commodious room in the village for public 
exhibitions and entertainments. Here it was that West's world-re- 
nowned picture of "Death on the Pale Horse," was shown to the 
admiring people, and in later days Dunlap's grand historical paint- 
ing of " The bearing of the Cross and the Calvary," or, as it was 
commonly called, the " The Crucifixion," attracted the wandering 
gaze of the untraveled villagers. The " Wandering Piper," celebrated 
for the harmonies of the strains drawn forth from the Irish and Scotch 
bag-pipes, as well as for the mystery surrounding his person, paraded 
in this room in full Highland costume, and entertained the multitudes 
with his uncouth music and original observations. Concerts of all 
kinds, instrumental and vocal have here aiforded more delicious 
amusement to the lovers of melody and more gratification to the 
public, than is now derived from the nocturnes and arias of the 
modern classical school. 

Different religious societies have here been organized, and at an 
early day, before the construction of any churches, this was the only 
place in which to assemble for 

DIVIKE V^OESHIP. 

Many now living will remember the "meetings" and the Sunday- 
schools of their youthful days held within these walls, but who shall 



49 

tell of the good works wrought here, of the sweet influences that 
have fallen upon the weary and heart-suffering? How many a fevered 
bosom has here first found consolation and been lifted up by the 
the strong arms of Hope and Faith to endure with patience the sad 
realities of life? 

The record would not be complete without allusion to those mel- 
ancholy occasions in all these years, when the members of the bar 
have been called upon to assemble here and pay their last public 
tributes of respect to their departed 

BROTHERS AND ASSOCIATES. 

Some were called when the measures of their years and honors 
were full; others were taken in the meridian of life and at times of 
greatest usefuhiess, and many were cut down in the spring-time of 
youth, when the beautiful future was just opening before them. 
We need not recall the names of those who have gone before us and 
been lamented here in sincere and truthful eulogiums; their memo- 
ries are present with us this day, as we bid farewell to the scene of 
their labors. But this we do know, that the recurrence of such 
events, the saddening influences of the occasions, the contemplation 
of the near presence of death as it must come to all, were more 
than sermons to men who understand, and silently acknowledged 
by them as warnings of the inevitable fate of all humanity. 

The history of an edifice of this character might not be complete 
without allusion to events of historical interest that have transpired 
within its walls or within the shadow of the lofty columns of the 
portico. In the year 1823, Ex-President 

MILLARD FILLMORE 

appeared here before the Court of Common Pleas and was admitted 
to practice as a member of the bar. Who then anticipated the 
course of events which culminated in his elevation to the highest 
position in the gift of his countrymen? In the summer of 1825 at 
the term of the Supreme Court over which Circuit Judge Eeuben 
H. Walworth, afterward Chancellor of the State, presided, occurred 
that remarkable trial of the three brothers by the name of Thayer, 
who were here convicted and sentenced to be hung for the crime of 
murder. When the affair of the Caroline occurred at Schlosser in 
December, 1838, the body of Amos Durfee, who was murdered by 
the British, was brought before the Court House and Henry K. 
Smith, standing upon the portico, in presence of the excited multi- 
tude, delivered that most extraordinary and eloquent funeral ora- 
tion, which aroused the fury of the populace almost beyond the 
restraints of authority. These columns witnessed the proceedings of 
the people when 

LAFAYETTE 

was received as the nation's guest in the summer of 1825. Before 
them and in the adjoining park, such Americans as Henry Clay and 
Daniel Webster, " the old man eloquent," John Quincy Adams, 



50 

Silas Wright, Martin Van Buren and Sargent S. Prentiss, and 
others of great fame, have expounded the political principles of 
their parties, or acknowledged with eloquent words, the attentions 
of their admiring fellow-citizens. They stand now, as they stood 
at that time, when the Free Soil Democrats of the Northern States 
held that grand and imposing convention which nominated Martin 
Van Buren for president, in the summer of 1848, and enunciated 
a platform of principles .that led the people to reflect upon the 
aggressions and barbarisms of slavery, and originated the crusade 
resulting in the overthrow of that institution. 

But time will not allow particular reference to the unnumbered 
occasions of interest which this venerable edifice has witnessed. One 
by one they will fade from the memory of living men, and like 
this forum where our fathers gathered, and where we have now 
assembled, will be remembered only upon the recorded page of 
history. 

And now, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Bar, we are soon 
to bid farewell to this honored edifice, and leave it, a silent witness 
of the 

DAYS THAT AEE NO MORE. 

It was erected when .this place was but a frontier hamlet of a. few 
hundred inhabitants, and now it stands, in the center of a city of 
over 150,000 people, and surrounded with all the evidences of 
wealth and modern civilization. For three score years it served the 
purposes for which it was intended, but now the exigencies of soci- 
ety demand a change and a new order of things. Like the gray- 
haired and infirm old man, who once was erect and active in the 
walks and t)usiness of life, but who now totters on the verge of the 
tomb, it has outlived all usefulness. We do not yield it up without 
emotion ; we cannot sever our particular relations to this place 
without a thought of the days that are\past, but we must say fare- 
well, and to all the clustering mem.ories, fa7^ew ell ! 

At the conclusion of Judge Sheldon's address, Hon. George E. 
Babcock, one of the oldest members of the Erie county Bar, read 
an address, as follows : 

A PAPER BY HON. GEORGE R. BABCOCK. 

Gentlemen of the Bar : It is eminently fit that the occasion of 
migrating from an edifice that for a period of nearly sixty years has 
been the theater of administration of law for an extensive region, 
should be commemorated by the Bar of Erie county. We go to 
more elegant and commodious quarters, but memory will linger 
with the associations of the past which here inhabit. Within these 
walls have transpired events the most momentous that ever thrilled 
human bosoms. Questions of life and death ; liberty or the felon's 
cell; honor or shame ; competence or penury ; bright hope or black 
despair, have here been debated and settled for all time. Here learn- 



51 

ing the most profound, research the most laborious, and eloquence 
the most moving have brought their varied tributes and laid them, 
a fitting sacrifice, upon the altar of law — that shrine whose worship 
constitutes the distinction between civilization and barbarism. The 
proposal to leave the old temple and set up our altar on a new site 
naturally brings retrospection — solemn if not painful. 

You have rendered me an honor to which I am profoundly sen- 
sible, in calling me to preside over your proceedings upon this 
occasion. T assume that I am indebted to this distiction not to my 
age, but to the fact that 

I HOLD THE OLDEST LICENSES 

as attorney and solicitor of any member of this Bar who has re- 
tained connection with it. Mme are dated in May, 1829. So far 
as I can learn, there are but four persons living who have, at any 
period, belonged here, whose date of admission to practice in the 
Supreme Court is earlier than 1829. One is the Rev. Dr. Lord, of 
this city, who, after a successful practice of several years, renounced 
the law for divinity, and is now a resident of this city, honored 
alike for his talent and devotion to the cause of his Divine Master. 
Another is Henry 0. Van Schaack,'now or lately of Onondaga 
county, who, as early as 1825, was practicing law in our then, rural 
village of Black Rock. He was esteemed a lawyer of fair ability 
and exemplary character. He did not remain long after the Erie 
canal was opened to Buffalo. The third is Henry E. Davis, late of 
the Court of Appeals, and now enjoying a green old age and good 
practice in the city of New York. He was the attorney of the vil- 
lage and clerk of the Board of Trustees in 1828. Soon he removed 
to New York, since which time he has occupied several oflicial posi- 
tions with credit. The remaining survivor is Evert Van Buren,. 
lately, if not now, a resident of Chicago. He was at this Bar a few 
years, in connection with the late Judge Masten, and achieved a 
respectable position as a lawyer and advocate. 

I have been requested by the committee in charge to give some 
sketches of the lawyers who practiced here in the early days of this 
edifice, and of the course of the administration of the law at that 
time. Had I anticipated the difficulties which I have experienced 
in the collection of facts in the short time allowed me, I should 
have at once declined. I rely upon your indulgence for the very 
imperfect manner in which I shall be able to discharge the duty 
assigned me. I am compelled to rely largely upon memory and 
tradition, for the greater portion of the records which ought to be 
available for the data which I require, are inaccessible, if not lost 
entirely. I shall be glad to have any errors of fact or opinion 
corrected by my brethren. 

My first acquaintance with the interior of this building was in 
April, 1825, upon the trial of the three Thayers for the murder of 
John Love, This trial excited a wider and more intense interest 
than any ever held here. It has formed an epoch from which many 
persons, now advanced in years, reckon time and events. The year 



52 

1825 had other events of note, such as the execution of the three 
brothers Thayer, upon one scaffold, erected at the west side of Niag- 
ara square; the visit of General Lafayette to Buffalo early in June, 
and the opening of the Erie canal on the twenty-sixth of October, 
of that year. Of the actors upon this scene, prior to 1825, I can 
give little but hearsay. Briefly as to 

THE PEESIDING JUDGES. 

Before the adoption of the constitution of 1821, Circuit Courts 
and Courts of Oyer and Terminer were held by judges of the Su- 
preme Court. I remember to have heard that those legal lumina- 
ries, Spencer. Van Ness and Plafct, had respectively held them here — 
-also Judges Yates and Wood worth, after 1820. William B. Rochester 
was the first Circuit Judge, under the new constitution, and was 
succeeded by John Birdsall, in 1826, and the latter by Addison 
Gardner, in 1829. Judges Rochester and Birdsall were each pos- 
sessed of fair abilities, and probably had acquirements necessary for 
a satisfactory discharge of the duties of the office had they been 
blessed with good health. The business of the Courts in the Eighth 
District did not proceed to the entire satisfaction of the Bar or 
suitors, under their administration. Judges from other districts 
came in occasionally and held the courts. The services of Judges 
Walworth and Betts, who each held terms in 1825, were warmly 
appreciated by the profession. Judge Gardner held the office nearly 
ten years, and in the discharge of its duties won fame and the appro- 
bation of the profession, as well as that of the public at large. He 
was, indeed, a model judge at nisi prius. Thoroughly versed in the 
principles of the law, clear in perception, courteous and dignified in 
manner, he carried on the business of his courts with ease and dis- 
patch, while he maintained harmonious relations with opposing 
counsel, which is often a feat of difficult achievement. Of the first 
judges of Niagara county, embracing the present county of Erie, 
Samuel Tupper was appointed, in May, 1812; William Ilotchkiss, 
in November, 1818 ; Samuel J. Wilkeson, in November, 1820 ; and 
continued in Erie county until succeeded by Ebenezer Walden, in 
February, 1823. Thomas C. Love held the office for less than a 
year, and was succeeded by Philander Bennett, in 1829, who held the 
office until 1837. How the duties of the office were discharged by 
Judges Tupper and Hotchkiss, I have not even a traditionary 
account. 

JUDGE WILKESON 

was not a lawyer, but I remember to have heard a competent au- 
thority assert that his keen perception and vigorous common sense 
enabled him, in most cases, to form quite correct opinions of the 
law^from the discussions of counsel and the cases cited. Judges 
Walden, Love and Bennett were well-trained lawyers, and their 
decisions usually received the approbation of the profession. They 
were deficient, according to the present standard, in restraining the 



53 

personalities of counsel, and in holding them strictly to the dis- 
charge of their proper duties in the trial and argument of causes 
before them. It may be said in their justification that they merely 
continued, but did not create, this order of things. The Court of 
Common Pleas, before their day, seems to have been considered a 
legal arena in which exercises were allowed that were not tolerated 
at the circuit. If a full history of these gladiatorial contests could 
be written, it would prove interesting, if not instructive. 

The foremost actors, within my recollection, were Root, Sheldon, 
Love, White, Sherwood, Tillinghast and Barker. They were "cun- 
ning of fence," and not to be despised as opponents in any field. 

It must attract the attention of any who examines the reports, 
beginning with the 14th of Johnson and ending with the 13th of 
Wendell, that comparatively few decisions of the Circuit or Com- 
mon Pleas of this county were overruled. In part this may be due 
to the different mode from the present of transacting legal busi- 
ness. There were but four terms of the Supreme Court in each 
year, and they were held at New York and Albany, until after 
18;i3, when the August term was transferred to Utica. The facili- 
ties for travel were decidedly inferior to the present, and our law- 
yers were usually unwilling to attend General Term when they 
could, at the best, have but few cases. This involved the expense 
and inconvenience of employing foreign counsel, and doubtless 
often led to an acquiescence in decisions with which the parties 
were not entirely satisfied. Another and perhaps better reason may 
be assigned. Under the 

SYSTEM OF PLEADIKG AKD PRACTICE 

then in use, trials were confined to distinct and well-defined issues 
of fact; consequently, there was no opportunity for such a mass of 
exceptions to an admission of evidence as characterizes the present 
system. I forbear to enlarge on this topic lest I incur the oppro- 
brium of many of my younger brothers, now present, for whom I 
have a sincere liking. 

The ofjtice of district attorni?y was filled by John C. Spencer, 
from February, 1815, to June, 1818; then by Charles G. Olmsted 
for about six months; then by Heman B. Potter for ten consecu- 
tive years. Thomas C. Love filled the place from 1829, to Decem- 
ber, 1831, when Henry White succeeded and held the office until 
his death in August, 1832. George P. Barker was then appointed 
and held the office until December, 1836. It is enough to say here 
that the important duties of this office were well discharged by 
those very competent gentlemen. No county in the State, except 
New York, had so large a share of criminal business as this — a fact 
due to its frontier position, rapid growth in population, and the 
demoralization incident of the war of 1812. The lawyers who were 
in Buffalo, in 1820, as nearly as I can ascertain, were John Root, 
Ebeuezer Walden, Jonas Harrison, Heman B; Potter, Albert H. 
Tracy, Thomas C. Love, Ebenezer F. Norton, Joseph W. Moulton, 



54 

■Jonathan E. Chaplin, James Sheldon, Stephen G. Austin, and 
William A. Moseley. Harrison went to Louisiana, Moulton to 
New York, and Chaplin to Northern Ohio, where he became" a 
somewhat distinguished Methodist preacher. In May, 1835, the 
remaining nine were in Buffalo, and the list was re-enforced by the 
names of Horatio Shumway, Henry White, Thomas T. Sherwood, 
Harry Slade, Joseph Clary, Sheldon Smith, Philander Bennett, 
Roswell Chapin and Major A. Andrews. To these may be added, 
as belonging to the Bar of the county, Absalom Bull, David Lock- 
wood and Henry C. Van Schaack, of Black Rock, Belden Slosson, 
of Amherst, Ezra St. John, of Clarence, and Millard Fillmore, of 
Aurora — the latter belonging to the Common Pleas only. Of these 
twenty-seven persons. Van Schaack is the only survivor, if, indeed, 
he does survive. During the next ten years, which is the limit of 
my retrospect, there were added many names to the list, making the 
Bar to consist of fifty-three members, excluding those who were 
admitted to the Common Pleas alone. Of these, twelve survive, 
viz.: Geo. R. Babcock, Elijah Ford, James McKay, John T. Bush, 
Seth C. Hawley, L. G-. Marvin, John T. Hudson, John L. Talcott, 
Theodotus Burwell, Orsamus H. Marshall, Evert Van Buren and 
George W. Johnson. Six of the survivors reside in this city. 
Surely, the great reaper has gathered a rich harvest. 

The practice of riding the circuit, borrowed from England, pre- 
vailed in these early days. Eminent lawyers, especially those who 
had reputation with juries, accompanied the judges from county to 
■county, upon the circuit, to assist on the trial of civil causes and 
the defense of persons charged with crime. In some cases they 
were retained beforehand; in others, I think most frequently, they 
were employed during the sitting of the circuit. They had to rely 
much upon the preparation which had been made for the trial by 
the attorney who employed them. 

SOME OF THE MOST EMINENT LAWYEES 

of the State have tried causes, of greater or less importance, in this 
room. I may name Elisha Williams, Thomas J. Oakley, John C. 
Spencer, Dudley Marvin, Vincent Matthews, Ebenezer Griffin, 
George Hosmer, Joshua A. Spencer, Henry B. Storrs and, I think, 
Samuel A. Talcott. 

The practice, as regards this county, ceased about 1830. If for- 
eign counsel came after that year, it was upon a previous retainer. 
Our own counselors before 1835, notably Fillmore, Barker, White, 
Sherwood, Tillinghast and Talcott, attended nearly all the Circuit 
Courts in the Eighth District. Before 1825, Root, Potter, Love, 
Tracy, Sheldon, and Sheldon Smith usually attended all the Courts 
in the adjoining counties of Chautauqua, Genesee and Niagara to 
try their own causes and such others as might be confided to them. 
The compensation which able lawers received at this period will 
seem meager, if not mean, to those who are familiar only with legal 
charges at the present day. In cases of considerable importance, 



55 

when the preparation for trial had been made by an attorney, able 
counsel charged 120 to $25 for the trial, and where several days were 
employed in the preparation and trial, $50 to $100 was the highest 
charge for the services, including often a " summing up " more elo- 
quent than Westminster Hall could produce once in five years. 
When the difference in expense of living is considered the discrep- 
ancy lessens. There were comparatively few books to buy; no 
expensive clerks ; no high office rents, and $1 per diem was the 
highest charge at taverns, as good in all essential particulars as the 
best at the present day. Although many of them, as at the present 
time, realize 

DAKiEL Webster's DEscRiPTioisr 

of a lawyer's fate, " to work hard, live well and die poor," some of 
■onr predecessors failed in each of the particulars, as, doubtless, many 
of our cotemporaries will persist in doing. 

The manners of counsel in trying and arguing causes have changed 
considerably since my observations began, and, in some respects, 
improved. The jjresent familiar, colloquial style has succeeded one 
more formal and stately. Personalities between counsel are less 
common than they were a generation since. Then it was not un- 
common for counsel to keep up a running commentary upon the 
case or the evidence, during the examination of a witness, and to 
be in the brisk discharge and receipt of retorts and repartee with 
his adversary, while the judge was taking down the testimony. Ar- 
liitrations were frequent but references rare. Suits in equity were 
not frequent, and many members of the bar did not take admission 
to the Court of Chancery at all, or, at least, not until after 1830. 
There was but little business in the Federal Courts. Such as there 
was arose chiefly from infractions of the revenue laws. But brief 
mention of some of the lawyers who played their part on this stage 
between the years 1825 and 18i35,and are now no more, is all that 
is permitted under the limits. which I have imposed upon myself. 
In respect to many, full biographical sketches exist in the archives 
•of the Historical Society, or otherwise, but for want of time, I have 
not availed myself of their records. John C. Spencer has often 
been here. He impressed me as the embodiment of intellectual 
force; with a knowledge of the law which secured intuition and a 
logic as inexorable as fate, he went directly at the head of judge and 
jury, without apparently seeking to excite imagination or awaken 
sentiment. He was truly a great lawyer. Dudley Marvin came 
regularly to the Circuit, and was often engaged in civil and criminal 
cases. He had a grand presence, an imperturable temper, great 
knowledge of human nature and a commanding eloquence. His 
ability in examining a witness, especially an unwilling one, was un- 
rivalled, and his arrangement of the evidence in his address to 
juries masterly. He made little use of authorities either with court 
or jury, but his skill in transferring such legal weapons from his 
adversary's arsenal to his own was the subject of mirthful comment 



56 

in professional circles. Ebenezer Griffin visited ns with great regu- 
larity and was much employed. He had a majestic appearance, 
musical voice and pleasing way of presenting himself to courts and. 
juries which, upon occasion, would rise to eloquence. He held 
high rank as a lawyer and advocate. One of the most exciting trials 
of this period took place in this room in 1828. 

It involved the question of the proper location of Commercial 
and Water streets, and consequently the title to lands lying between 
these streets, as now used, and the Little and Big Buffalo creeks. 
The whole village took an interest in the controversy, and the 
village election of that year turned wholly upon it. The trustees, 
represented by Davies, City Attorney, and Henry R, Storrs, were 
plaintiffs, and Johnson and Wilkeson, represented by Love, Marvin 
and Spencer, were defendants. A more unpromising subject for 
the display of eloquence could not well be imagined, and it is 
difficult to analyze the grounds of the opinion that prevailed with- 
in and without the ranks of the profession, that a more brilliant 
exhibition of classical oratory and logical argument had never been 
made within these walls than that afibrded by 

ME. store's address TO THE JURY. 

I was present, but, really, I was so bewildered that I can tell you noth- 
ing about the speech. This, I believe, was the only effort made by Mr. 
S. at this bar. Some years after I heard him argue a demurrer, with 
Dudley Marvin on the opposite side, in the Superior Court of New 
York, and it was a subject of remark that both had more eloquence 
than knowledge of Chitty's Pleadings. Joshua R. Giddingsof Ohio 
tried a cause here about 1830, growing out of the loss of a cargo of 
goods by shipwreck near Ashtabula. He then displayed the bold, in- 
trepid and effective oratory which, in after years, upon a wider theater 
and with larger interests involved, made his name famous. Heman B. 
Potter, after leaving college, entered the office of Elisha Williams at 
Hudson, where he was well trained in the principles and practice of 
the law. He came to Buffalo in October, 1810, and almost simul- 
taneously established a law office, organized a Washington Benevo- 
lent Society, a Federal Club, and joined, if he did not organize, a 
Masonic Lodge. He little thought that the two acts of his earlier 
life last named would, as they did, form an insuperable bar to 
political promotion to the end of his days. His appointment as 
district attorney constituted the only taste of office that he ever on- 
joyed. He had" the kindliest of dispositions, unimpeachable integ- 
rity, great industry, united to order and system in all transactions.. 
He soon acquired, what was then considered, a large legal business. 
He tried and argued his own cases with good success. His addresses 
to courts and juries were pleasing in manner; his statements of law 
and fact clear and well arranged, and although he did not often 
rise to the heights of eloquence, his forensic efforts could not fail to 
satisfy a moderate ambition. His administration of the office ol 



57 

district attorney, for ten years, was all that conld be desired. In one 
case only had he the assistance of counsel, and that was in the 
summing up of 

THE TRIAL OF THE THREE THAYERS. 

The case was one to be made out by circumstantial evidence 
alone. It was prepared by Mr. Potter, and in after years Chancel- 
lor Walworth said that he had never known one so well prepared 
and tried as this. Thomas C. Love entered into a good business as 
the partner of Albert H. Tracy. The ill-health of the latter, and 
his devotion to political life, soon left the law ofBce in Mr. Love's 
hands. He had great force of character, a strong intellect, cour- 
ageous temperament, and an industry that shunned no labor. Into 
whatever he undertook his whole soul was thrown, and, as may well 
be supposed, he was largely successful. His addresses to courts and 
juries made up in clearness and earnest force whatever was wanting 
in taste and elegance. He was regarded as a safe and faithful 
counselor. 

Sheldon Smith had, I think, no marked standing as a lawyer. 
As an advocate he held high rank. Before a jury he was fluent and 
graceful — presenting his case with moderation and clearness — in 
language extremely well chosen and eflFective. Gibbon was his 
model for style, and he was a fond reader of the great historian, as 
much for his ornate rhetoric as for his facts. Smith was better in 
getting verdicts than in holding them. I remember a case he 
tried three times, witli a verdict in his favor on each trial. I do 
not know whether his client's adversary was wearied out, or whether 
so much competent evidence was produced on the third trial that 
a fourth could not be obtained, but Smith was triumphant. 

James Sheldon is probably little known to most of my hearers, 
and yet he made a prominent figure in this hall for many years. 
He was the law-partner of Albert H. Tracy, and afterwards of 
Charles G. Olmsted. Olmsted was here but a short time when he 
removed to Tennessee. He had the reputation of possessing supe- 
rior abilities. Sheldon continued his law practice until about 1833, 
He had a powerful, well-compacted body, an acute intellect, an 
ardent temper, and an audacity equal to any occasion. He was 
exceedingly well prepared for his profession, and a thorough-going 
practitioner. He had a large business in criminal cases and a fair 
share of civil practice. His speeches to courts and juries were 
models of conciseness, expressed in terse, forcible words, and in a 
manner that seemed defiant of contradiction. 'In the legal frays of 
justices' courts and the Common Pleas he was foremost — never 
avoiding an encounter of any description, and seldom coming off 
without his spurs. He remembered with impartiality his friends and 
— enemies. Henry White was, in many respects, a remarkable man. 
He had a subtle and ingenious mind, great industry, and entire devo- 
tion to his profession. He read much and thought more of his law 
books. His entire faculties were devoted to any cause that he 
5 



58 

undertook, and he was pertinacious to the last degree of any point 
or proposition that he raised. His temper was perfectly under com- 
mand, and he always kept it at home if his adversary lost his own. 
In the begining of a trial he seemed to seek by inuendo, suggestion 
and comment upon the testimony being taken down, to irritate 
and perplex opposing counsel, in which he was often successful, 
and thereafter White remained " cool as a cucumber." If, as some- 
times happened, he failed, no one could better assume the role of 
indignation for the wrongs of his client or " tear a passion to tat- 
ters" than he. His reputation as a nisi prius lawyer had reached 
a high point and was growing when he was suddenly cut off in 
August, 1832. Stephen G. Austin had a large share of legal business, 
and I believe that his learning and ability as a lawyer are not fully 
appreciated by the present members of the bar. He was well read 
in his books, and at least down to t^ie time of forming a law con- 
nection with Barker, tried and argued his own causes, with a fair 
measure of success. He was fond of that lost art — special pleading 
— and delighted to take a case through all its stages, from Narr to 
Surrebutter before bringing it into this room. Dyre Tillinghast 
came here in 1826, and at once secured a very respectable standing 
and business. He was an excellent practitioner, and had great 
clerical ability. He was a ready, handy man. Whatever he could 
do at all he could do at once. His first cause here was tried one 
hot afternoon in August, and he somewhat surprised our lawyers 
by drawing up a bill of exceptions on the spot and having it settled 
and signed before the judge took his supper. He was at home in 
all forums. A justice's court, a, board of town officers, an ecclesi- 
astical convocation, a court martial, a trial at the Sessions or Cir- 
cuit, a case in Chancery or in Admiralty, were equally his delight, 
and in each he acquitted himself with a fair portion of credit. His 
reading of law seemed to be without method, although he read 
much. He had a facility for quoting cases by the book, and some- 
times page, that had relation to the subject under discussion, al- 
though he did not always hit upon the point or principle decided 
by them. William A. Moseley was fourteen years at this bar — hav- 
ing entered in 1820, and retired on his election to the Assembly in 
1834. He possessed fine ability and acquirements, including a fair 
knowledge of law and its practice. He tried and argued his own 
causes, which were most thoroughly prepared, and had good success 
with them. In the "heavy fights" in the Common Pleas he bore 
himself well, having the ready wit and biting sarcasm so useful in 
such encounters. It was thought to be a phenomenon that with 
such abilities as he possessed he should have been four years in the 
Senate and four years in Congress without making a speech in 
either, and four years in the Court for the Correction of Errors 
without delivering an opinion. It did not arise from inattention 
to the ordinary duties of the positions, for no one excelled him in 
punctuality of attendance and knowledge of what transpired in 
the bodies of which he was a member. 



59 * 

A marked cliange in the constitution of this bar and in the char- 
acter of the business began in 1835, and here my wa}'', on this occa- 
sion ends. Here began the accession to its numbers whose achieve- 
ments form 

A NEW ERA. 

H. K. Smith, Haven, Hall, E. Cook, E. Norton, Stow, Sill, 
Hasten, B. H. Austin, Seymour, Stanley, H. S. Love, Ganson and 
Verplanck among the dead, and Clinton, Rogers, VanBuren, W. H. 
Greene, J. M. Smith, Nichols, Putnam, Spaulding and S. C. Hawley 
among the living, comprise a list whose various talents and acquire- 
ments would do honor to any bar in the land. I leave this ibrmid- 
able company of new-comers to other and more competent hands 
than mine. 

To bring this paper at all within reasonable limits, and because 
other pens have paid them tribute, I omit notices of Root, Tracy, 
Fillmore, Barker, Sherwood, Shumway and Slade. They are all so 
well known to the bar, and such justice has been rendered their 
memories by others, that this emission will not, I trust, be deemed 
a defect in this paper. I have discharged the duty imposed upon 
me as well as the time allowed me, and the data at my command 
would permit, and I cast myself upon your indulgence in the hope 
that other hands will supplement my deficiencies, and glean a rich 
harvest from the unreaped fields that remain. 

EEMARKS OF JUDGE CLINTON. 

When Mr. Babcock had finished his address, he called upon Judge 
Clinton to make some remarks. As the Judge rose, he was greeted 
with hearty applause. He spoke extempore, and said : That he 
yery reluctantly declared that he was not going to make a speech 
upon this occasion, as the previous speakei'S had stolen all his thun- 
der. They had not only reaped the harvest, but actually gleaned 
the field. His feelings were of so deep and varied a nature, that he 
did not know in what order to place them, or how to express him- 
self. He was glad, and yet he was sorry; full of joy, and yet 
mournful. We stand between tears and merriment. As for this 
Court-house building, it belongs to the dark ages. It never looked 
so bare as now, and never was it better graced. It has long been a 
reproach to the city and county, and its appearance was that of un- 
mitigated ughness. But when he thought of the memories con- 
nected with the old building, his heart was stirred, and he was 
ready to say, "Burn it to the ground, but don't allow it to be dese- 
crated, and put to common or vulgar uses !" * 

What contests of wit had enlivened this old building, and where 
were the men who participated in them ? Their sayings, if the 
speaker should undertake to repeat them, would be as dull and 
vapid as some things he had seen in magazines, called " Congres- 
sional Humor," or something of that sort. The old building had 



60 

served its day; it was worn out, and effete, and even like the speak- 
er's old hat, which he held in his hand. [Laughter.] And when 
the time came for him to part with his ancient friend, the old hat, 
he should do so joyously. Yet the memory of what it was to him 
would dwell in his heart. So with this building. How many 
sacred memories were connected with it, which could never be 
effaced. Here George P. Barker, and the beloved Ganson first felt 
the grasp of death. Here the speaker's brethren had often assembled 
to pay feeling tributes to those who had gone before. The memo- 
ries of those occasions would always be sacred. 

In concluding, Judge Clinton said that he believed from his heart 
of hearts that the Bar of Erie county had never stood higher than 
now. For the good of the profession, which yielded 'only in im- 
portance to the clerical profession, he would ask, whether it would 
not be well to draw closer the ties which bound the Bar together 
socially ? He believed it would be well to form an Association of 
members of the Bar. 

Hon. James M. Smith, one of the Judges of the Superior Courts 
delivered the concluding address of the day, and spoke as follows : 

ADDRESS OF JUDGE SMITH. 

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Bar : Your committee has 
done me the honor to request that I should address you on this 
interesting occasion, and as I rise to comply with their request, the 
thronging memories of almost forty years — of all the years of my 
manhood — crowd my mind with the most varied emotions. As I 
recall the forms and faces, once so familiar to this place, of the men 
who elevated the Bar of this city to an equal rank with the ablest 
of the State, and who here illustrated by their genius, their learn- 
ing, their eloquence, the highest walks of our profession, and achieved 
its best rewards, I feel a thrill of pride and pleasure in the recollec- 
tion of my association with them, that I witnessed their labors and 
their triumphs, that I rejoiced in the honors which they won, and 
that I am permitted here to-day to recall their names and to unroll 
the record which they made. I am indeed sadly reminded that as 
to almost all of them it must be said the places which have known 
them know them no more, but their names and memory are cher- 
ished by us who survive, and those who succeed us at the Bar and 
upon the bench, will long remember their achievements and emulate 
their fame. 

" The dead are like the stars by day, 
Withdrawn from mortal eye ; 
But not extinct, they hold their way. 
In glory through the sky." 

I first entered these memorable walls early in the winter of 1838. 
This city had then a population of about seventeen thousand, and,. 



61 

thougli laboring under the terrible reverses in business which fol- 
lowed the financial crash of 1837, yet its people were full of elastic 
life and vigorous enterprise; and none more truly so than the mem- 
bers of our profession. The very extensive modifications and 
changes of the law and its modes of practice which were made by 
the Revised Statutes, had just become fully understood, adapted to 
use, and brought into full working order. It may not be without 
interest to glance at the judicial system of that day, and consider 
briefly some of its peculiar features, so different from those with 
which we are familiar now. 

THE HIGHEST COURT OF THE STATE 

was the Court for the Correction of Errors, composed of the Lieu- 
tenant-Governor (or the President of the Senate) who was its pre- 
siding judge, the Chancellor, the Justices of the Supreme Court, 
and the members of the Senate, thirty-two in number. Its jurisdic- 
tion was to review the decrees of the Chancellor and the judgments 
of the Supreme Court. The terms of this court were usually held 
in the city of New York or Albany, but in the snmmer of 1846, 
a session of the court was held in this room, which was specially 
fitted up for the purpose. Notwithstanding the peculiar character 
of the court, the large number composing it, and that many of them 
were not lawyers, its Judgments uniformly commanded the respect 
and confidence of the Bar and the people. 

As the Senate always contained some of the most distinguished 
lawyers of the State, the voice of the professional members of the 
court had a controlling influence, and there are no more learned, 
well reasoned and elegantly written opinions upon the pages of our 
reports than some of those pronounced in that court. Among 
the most distinguished and most frequently quoted are those 
written by 

THE LATE ALBERT H. TRACY, 

when a member of this Bar and a Senator from this district. 

The Supreme Court was composed of three justices, held four 
General Terms each year— two at Albany, one in New York and one 
iu Utica — besides eight Special Terras each year at Albany. Its 
clerks were four, having their offices respectively at Albany, New 
Y^'ork, Utica and Geneva, to one of which all process, pleadings and 
other papers in that court, requiring to be filed must be sent for 
that pui'pose, and where all judgments were docketed, and thus be- 
came a lien throughout the State. The State was divided into eight 
Judicial Districts, with a judge in each to hold Circuit Courts and 
Courts of Oyer and Terminer. The counties of Erie, Niagara, Or- 
leans, Monroe, Genesee and Chautauqua composed the eighth district, 
and in each county two Circuit Courts and Courts of Oyer and Ter- 
miner were holden each year. Addison Gardiner, who had been Cir- 
cuit Judge for this district for several years, having resigned in Jan- 
uary, 1838, John B. Skinner, an able and accomplished lawyer, a 



62 

pure-minded and truly good man, whose name should ever be men- 
tioned with reverence and honor, and who was then a citizen of 
Genesee county, but afterward and for several years a resident and 
member of the Bar of this city, was appointed to succeed Judge 
Gardiner. But lie declined the appointment by reason of impaired 
health, and Nathan Dayton was appointed, and honorably discharged 
the duties of the office until the constitution of 1846 went into opera- 
tion. The Court of Chancery was composed of Chancellor and Vice- 
Chancellor for the First Judicial District, and except in that district. 
each of tlie Circuit Judges Avas, ex-officio, Vice-Chancellor for his 
Judicial District. 

In each county was a Court of Common Pleas, and a Court of 
General Sessions of the Peace, consisting of a first judge and four 
associate judges. It needs but little reflection to perceive how far 
the State has outgrown such a judicial system, and how wholly in- 
adequate it would be to the exigencies of the present day. 

At the time I have referred to, wlien I became a member of this 
bar, James Stryker was the first judge of this county, and Frederick 
P. Stevens, Jonathan Hoyt, Joseph Freeman and Isaac Humphrey 
were associate judges. Samuel Caldwell was surrogate, Henry W. 
Rogers, district attorney, Elijah Ford, Horatio Seymour, Jr., Peter 
M. Vosburgh and Ciiarles H. Bramhall, Masters in Chancery, Dyre 
Tillinghast, Supreme Court Commissioner. There were then in 
active practice here, as leading members of the bar, and whose 
learned and eloquent efforts these venerable walls have so often wit- 
nessed, Millard Filmore, Heman B. Potter, Stephen G. Austin, 
Geo. P. Barker, Henry K. Smith, Nathan K. Hall, Horatio J. Stow,, 
Thos. T. Sherwood, Solomon G. Haven, Benj. H. Austin, Horatia 
Shumway, Seth E. Sill, Eli Cook, Joseph G. Masten, and Dyre 
Tillinghast, and in later years as the veterans retired from the field, 
or yielded to the arch enemy Death, their places were filled by such 
men as James Mullett, Benjamin F. Greene, Chauncey Tucker, 
Albert Sawin, James G. Hoyt, Isaac A. Verplanckand John Ganson. 
I can but recount the names upon this illustrious roll. 

I cannot here speak of the individual characteristics of these men 
or their varied gifts and acquirements, or of the steps by which they 
took high rank in our profession and in the community of which 
they were members. These are a part of 

THE HISTORY OF THIS BAR 

and of this city. They elevated and made more widely and better 
known the character of both. Many of them were called by their 
fellow-citizens to fill the places of honor and trust, upon the bench 
in the halls of legislation, and in various departments of the gov- 
ernment. And tliey cari'ied with them into public life the same 
marked integrity, energy and industry, as well as the same varied 
learning, and the same wide range of intellectual gifts which had 
distinguished them in their professional life. Thus they^not only 
reflected credit upon this bar, and upon the city of their residence. 



63 

but the fame of some of them has gone forth over all the land, 
and the nation has risen np to do them honor. But this was the 
special scene of their professional achievements. They, and their 
predecessors, the fathers of tlie bar, of whom honored mention has 
been made to-day by those who preceded me, have made this build- 
ing historical, and in spite of its defective architecture and primi- 
tive accessories, it has become in our eyes a venerable pile, and this 
room like holy ground. 

I have purposely refrained from the mention of any whose names 
have not iDoen made sacred by death. I speak not of the living, for 
I speak to the living. You, Mr. Chairman, and a scanty band of 
your compeers, alone remain of tlie eminent men who distinguished 
this bar when it was lirst known to me, and who in later days have 
added luster to its history. Your brethren of to-day, sir, recognize 
in you 

THE LAWYERS OF THE OLD REGIME, 

trained in the hardier schools of the past — worthy exemplars of an 
honored profession. Fortnnate as you have been in tlie associations 
of the past, and as you are in the rewards of the present, I know 
that I express the" heartfelt wish of your younger brethren, that the 
years of you who yet survive may be prolonged beyond the common 
lot, and that as the shadows lengthen with life's declining day, you 
may repose from care and labor in the consciousness of a well-spent 
life, and with the blessed assurance that when the night falls, the 
coming dawn shall break with the splendors of an eternal morn. 

At the conclusion of Judge Smith's address, on motion of H. S. 
Cutting, the meeting adjourned until ten o'clock Monday a. m., the 
thirteenth inst., for the purpose of taking final leave of the old 
Court House, and proceeding in a body to the new City and County 
Hall. 



64 



ADIEU TO THE OLD COURT HOUSE. 



0)PENING OF THE CITY AND COUNTY HALL. 



On Monday morning,' March 13, 1876, the City and Connty Hall 
was thrown open to the public. Most of the officers had taken pos- 
session on Saturday previous, and were ready to transact business 
in their new quarters. There were no formal ceremonies in con- 
nection with this branch of the opening of the building. 

The Special Term of the Superior Court was opened by Judge Gr. 
W. Clinton, and the Civil Trial Term of the same court was held 
by Judge James Sheldon. The County Court, Judge Albert Haight 
presiding, also convened. But little business was transacted in 
cither court, and they soon adjourned to participate in the 

FURTHER ACTION OF THE BAR. 

In accordance with the further plans of the Committee of Arrange- 
ments, a very large number of the members of the legal profession 
assembled at the Old Court House, pursuant to adjournment, at ten 
o'clock A. M., Monday, March 13, 1876. The meeting was called to 
order by Hon George R. Babcock, upon whose motion Gen. Gusta- 
vus A. Scroggs was chosen Grand Marshal to conduct the fraternity 
to the City and County Hall. A procession was then formed, 
headed by Judges Sheldon, Smith and Haight, followed by the 
members of the Bar admitted previous to the year 1840, and then 
the balance of the fraternity in order of seniority. In this manner 
the procession marched to the new City and County Hall, where the 
Bar were received by Building Commissioners Becker^., Ward well, 
Laning, Bowen, Hayward, Potter, Youngs and Adams, who escorted 
them to the Civil Trial Term room of the Superior Court, at the 
north end of the third floor. 



65 

A few minutes after eleven.^ o'clock the meeting was called to 
order by Hon. Mr. Babcock, who congratulated the members of the 
Bar that they had come from their old temple of justice to an edifice 
of which the interior, so far as his observation went, was second to 
but one in the land; the capitol at Washington was the only build- 
ing which could compare with it. Mr. Babcock suggested that the 
proceedings should be opened with an invocation of the Divine 
blessing, and asked Rev. Dr. Hotchkiss to offer prayer. 

Eev. Dr. Hotchkiss offered a prayer appropriate to the occasion. 

On motion of Hon. H. S. Cutting, Hon. Sherman S. Eogers was 
elected Chairman, and Mr. James A. Allen was appointed 
Secretary. 

Upon taking the chair Senator Eogers addressed the meeting, and 
said : 

ADDRESS OF HON. S. S. ROGERS. 

Gentlemen of the Bar: It is with but meagre ceremony. that 
the Bench and Bar of Erie county take possession of this goodly 
temple, and dedicate it to Justice. Here is no imposing pageant; 
no unwonted display of the glories or the terrors of Authority. No 
Lord Mayor in gilded coach has lent to our procession the eclat of 
municipal sanction. The eye searches in vain for the awful shire- 
reeve, with his bailiffs burly and his tip-staves tall ; and where are 
the judges in their robes of ofiice, and the lawyers in wigs and 
gowns? And yet the Lord High Chancellor is here, in all but robe 
and title, and my Lord Chief Justice, too ; and perhaps among 
these ungowned gentlemen are more than one whom future genera- 
tions may deem not unworthy to be named with the great bar- 
risters who have made the history of the English and American 
bars illustrious. Certainly there are many as truly self-consecrate 
to the higher duties and obligations of our profession, to truth, to 
justice, to that loyal recognition of rightful authority which is the 

SUPPORT AND SAFE-GUARD OF THE STATE, 

as the titled barristers whose escutcheons adorn the walls of the 
Inns of Court, or any of those untitled, but not less noble worthies, 
whose unrecorded fame is still the pride of our own bar. 

To-day, gentlemen, inaugurates an era in the history, not merely 
of our fair city, but in some sort also of our own fraternity. I 
would fain believe that it will also mark the commencement of a 
higher and worthier professional life. 

Not that I expect a material change in our mental or moral 
characteristics because henceforth we pursue our labors in these 
elegant and well-appointed rooms instead of the old ones, one of 
which was always contemptible (I speak, of course, of that in the 
*'New Court-house, so called), while the other had, indeed, become 



66 

like Judge Clinton's old hat, useful irfdeed, though never elegant, and 
tolerable only because for so many years it had been the home of 
so much good thought. 

No ; the man is not much changed by the doffing of an old coat 
or the putting on of a new one; and yet he may be a little more 
courtly, nay, possibly even more manly in the new than in the old, 
especially if the coat be supplemented by a good new hat and by 
nether integuments which are irrej)roachable both in style and ma- 
terial. Therefore, let us not underrate the probable good effect of 
these spacious and richly-furnished apartments. 

Who shall dare to dull the edge of his pen-knife on these "Cen- 
tennial chairs," and who among us, with the broad daylight staring 
at him through these beautiful windows, will not be put a little 
more upon his good behavior than when he trod the dusty matting 
and thumped the rickety rail which separated the jury from the 
bar, under the benign protection of the dear old shabbiness to which 
we have just said farewell. 

But to speak more seriously. Is it too much to expect from the 
memories of that solemn but delightful meeting which it was our 
privilege to attend on Saturday last, some enduring and beneficent 
results ? Who among us did not feel his soul kindled and elevated 
as he listened to the eloquent words of the seniors, as they recited 
the annals of our local bar ? Who was not glad that he, too, was a 
lawyer ? Who of us would not be happy, to think that in some 
future year, when the Bar of Buffalo shall be gathered on some 
auspicious occasion, perhaps with a son or grandson to listen, his 
own name should be found worthy of special mention among the 
good and great lawyers who have adorned the grand profession of 
the law in this city of our pride ? 

The present rarely seems heroic, and Poetry ever turns her beau- 
tiful eyes to the past, or, scorning the dull and prosaic present, 
strains her eager vision towards the future. The dawn and the 
sunset are her delight. But patience, brethren of the busy, eager, 
contending, ambitious bar of to-day ! We shall all be of the past be- 
fore long — many of us, indeed, of the forgotten past ; but we shall 
every one contribute something to the character and the reputation 
of our brotherhood. The mean and ignoble will be more unworthy 
because of the unworthiness of any of his associates. 

THE GOOD A]SrD THE ILLUSTRIOUS 

will shine with a purer and brighter glory by the light reflected 
from the purity of their less successful, though not less worthy 
brethren. 

I congratulate you, gentlemen of the Bar, upon your presence 
here to-day, and I will not add a word to what I have said to lend a 
graver tinge to the pleasant and even joyful thoughts which are 
appropriate to the occasion. Let us enjoy them to the full. Let 
us with serious but confident anticipation dedicate this noble struct- 
ure, as Ave should be dedicate ourselves, to a pure and impartial jus- 



67 

tice. May all the years of the future witness here the presence of 
judges, learned, dignified, incorruptible, who fear God alone ; of a 
Bar, able, eloquent, courageous and upright, who shall administer 
the duties and exercise the privileges of their high vocation as those 
who know that they stand in the presence of the Judge of all the 
Earth, of Him by whom princes rule and magistrates execute judg- 
ment, and that to Him they must render their final account. 



^ ADDRESS OF HON. A. P. NICHOLS. 

Mr. Cliairman : This is, surely, an occasion of uncommon inter- 
est. That cannot be called common which never, or rarely, happens 
but once in a lifetime. 

The taking down of our altars and household gods in the old 
temple, and removing and setting them up in the new ; this going- 
back for that last, last look, and bidding good-bye to scenes and asso- 
ciations which have grown dearer and dearer, year by year, since the 
hour we first buckled on spurs for professional conflict, cannot but 
be full of sadness, even though the star of hope in the future beams 
ever so brightly upon the transition to our new home. As the sol- 
dier looks upon his trusty blade, be it ever so hacked and battered, 
and, remembering that it never failed him, that its haft never gave 
way in the su])remest crisis ; as he looks at his old friend, tried and 
true — I say, in the presence of a weapon, may be of comelier shape, 
and glittering in all the glory of strength and undimmed beauty, 
how his heart instinctively clings to his first love, and if he at last 
consents to the exchange, it is with a sigh. 

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." Ah, those 
words are but the language of the heart. Thei'e is not one among 
us, Mr. Chairman, I care not how scarred and callous his heart 
may have become in his long strifes at the Bar, whose pulses do 
not beat stronger and his breath come quicker as he regretfully 
bids. good-bye to the old camp. There he felt that his foot was 
on his native heath — how will it be on an untried field? There he 
felt the first flush of triumph ; there he experienced his first defeat ; 
he can never forget them! But here we come, Mr. Chairman, to 
our new home, to this goodly pile, with its superb architectural 
effects, its spacious apartments, its complete appointments, rich in 
all that art and taste and generous expenditure can give, which the 
generosity of our city and county have furnished, as a temple of 
Justice, and for the convenience of State, County and Municipal 
administration. It is, indeed, a noble bounty, worthy of the objects 
for which it is proposed, worthy of the civilization that prompted it. 

I trust that we and all who may be called upon to do honorable 
service here, in any of the varied departments, may not be unmind- 
ful of the scope and meaning of this new phase of life, or of the 
obligations which grow out of it. You know, Mr. Chairman, that it 
was said by a Roman poet, in a time that has become immortal, that 
they who cross the sea change only their external surroundings, not 



68 

themselves. In coming here, Mr. Chairman, we have changed our 
forum, but not ourselves. We are no better lawyers, by the simple 
fact of change ; but we may thereby be better, if we prize the 
opportunity. That depends upon ourselves. We must remember 
that the Court 'House is made illustrious by the Bar,, not the Bar 
by the Court House. 

As we take possession, then, at this point of a new departure in our 
professional life, let us, Mr. Chairman, as the noblest recognition 
of our obligations as a Bar, under which this munificent liberality 
of our citizens has placed us, and which we so cheerfully acknowl- 
edge, as the highest honor we can pay to our noble profession, vow 
and promise to and with each other that we will not be unmindful 
of our obligations, for this larger theater and opportunity for use- 
fulness ; that, profiting by them, we will strive to be better lawyers 
and better men; that nothing base or unworthy of the true lawyer 
shall ever through us wound or sully these noble halls ; that, ever 
striving to mount higher and higher in the walks of our profession, 
we will insist, day by day, upon a nobler code of ethics and a higher 
professional tone, and leave this seat of Justice to our successors, 
honored, not shamed, by our presence. Beneath this dome, what 
noble ambitions shall have play ! How shall the eager aspirants 
wrestle for the mastery! What momentous issues of life and death, 
of fame and fortune, shall here be discussed! 

And what incitements are here for these efforts! No Bar in the 
State has surpassed this in the past; shall any surpass it in the 
future ? Think of the line of illustrious names that illuminate it, 
from its birth to this hour ! I will not — I have not the heart — try 
to enumerate them. We know them, and their names are dear to us 
:a]l. From its ranks men have been called to spheres of wider influ- 
ence and usefulness, not only at the Bar and on the Bench, but in 
civil administration. In the discipline of these Halls,- in the high 
debate and lofty struggles between the Bench and Bar, in our 
sharp, earnest, but manly, encounters with each other, as in a col- 
lision of flint and steel, we shall fit and equip others who may be 
;able, worthily to keep up this line of succession in high places. 

In a word, Mr. Chairman, let us but be true to our profession 
and to ourselves, and we shall not only repay the rich honors and 
advantages which the public authorities have here confided to our 
keeping, but have a noble opportunity of showing to our fellow- 
m^n how manifold are the benefits which flow to society from a 
conscientious, learned and upright Bar. 

Mr. Henry W. Box moved that Hon. E. Carlton Sprague be 
■chosen to preside at the proposed banquet of the bar of Erie county 
at the Tifft House to-morrow evening. The resolution having been 
adopted, Mr. Sprague was called for, and addressed the meeting as 
follows: 



69 



ADDEESS OF E. C. SPEAGUE. 



I beg leave to thank the meeting for this expression of its respect. 
I do so most gratefully, for there are, indeed, few things in tliis life 
that I value more than the regard of my professional brethren. 
And now that I am upon my feet, although I had not expected ta 
say a word upon this occasion, I find it difficult to repress alto- 
gether the recollections that are crowding upon my memory, some 
of which may be interesting, particularly to the students here pres- 
ent. I entered upon the study of the law, in Buffalo, in the sum- 
mer of 1843, in the office of Fillmore & Haven, then perhaps the 
leading office in the State, west of Albany. The life of law stu- 
dents then differed in many ways from the same life now. We took 
turns in the morning sweeping out the office and making the fires. 
I well remember Mr. Fillmore coming to the office one morning, 
and finding some dust around the leg of a table unswept (by the 
negligence of the clerk that morning, who he was I will not say)^ 
and exclaiming, that he feared that so negligent a clerk 

WOULD NEVEK MAKE A LAWYER. 

The office hours were from eight A. M. to one p. m., from two ta 
six P. M., and from seven to ten p. m. The pay was nothing the 
first two years, and two dollars a week the third. Much time was 
given in those days to chat with counti'y clients and to politics. 
In the back room was a long high desk upon which the principal 
newspapers of the State were kept in files, and it was the custom of 
the press to come to the lawyer's office for counsel and direction as 
to the political policy to be pursued, and the candidates who should 
be nominated. And I assure you that our political affairs were 
not the less purely or ably conducted by reason of the counsel of 
the profession in those days. 

I cannot omit a word in memory of the gentlemen with whom I 
studied my profession. As a statesman, Mr. Fillmore's name is 
known as widely as civilization itself; but to the younger men in 
the profession I wish to bear testimony to his great learning, his 
profound investigations, his excellent sense, and his unwearied 
industry as a lawyer. I have not known his superior, upon the 
whole, as a professional man. I wish also to express my admira- 
tion for that strict conscientiousness which I may say that I know 
governed the most trifling as well as the important actions of 
his life. Differing from him as I and many of us did in re- 
gard to his policy while President of the United States, I have 
never had the slightest doubt, that he was governed in all that he 
did by the highest sense of duty, and that he most conscientiously 
believed that the measures he sustained were calculated to promote 
the welfare of the country. 

I cannot describe to those who did not know him the wonderful 
tact and humor, the genial conversational power, the unflagging 
industry, the professional skill, and the peculiar 



70 



ELOQUENCE OF SOLOMON G. HAVEN". 

He was the prince of jury lawyers, and it is no disparage- 
ment to others to say that in my judgment I have never seen 
his equal in this department of the profession at this or at any 
other bar. To him, too, more than to any other man, I think, 
we owe the courtesy and good temper with which the contests in 
our courts have been conducted by the profession since I have 
known it. He set a most praiseworthy example in this respect, and 
it had a marked influence. And in closing let me say that it seems 
to me that now is a fitting time to congratulate ourselves upon this 
fact so far as we are deserving of praise, and to resolve that the 
future shall be an improvement upon the past. As one, I can truly 
say, after a practice of nearly thirty years in my profession, that I 
do not carry in my memory a single unkind or uncourteous word 
expressed to or about me by any member of the profession, during 
either the trial or the argument of a cause. And I am sure that 
all will join me in the resolve, that, entering as we are now upon 

A NEW CHAPTER OF OUR LIVES 

as lawyers, all unkind recollections of the past, if any such there 
be, shall be cast out from our memories and trodden under foot. 
As my brother Locke well said the other day, in summing up a 
cause in which we were the opposing counsel, let us endeavor 
more and more to bear in mind that success in a law-suit, the 
reputation of lawyers, the parties to litigation, are of little conse- 
quence compared with the maintenance of the laws of the land, 
and that the highest function of the lawyer is to aid in the pure 
and intelligent administration of justice. 

Hon. A. P. Laning, being loudly called for, said he could only 
unite his congratulations with those present upon the occupation of 
their new quarters. How well the Commissioners had fulfilled their 
obligations he should leave to those present and to a generous public 
to judge. 

Hon. L. L. Lewis was also called upon and responded briefly, 
reciting some of his experiences in reading law, and in his struggles 
and difficulties in his early practice. He entered a law-office the 
same year that Mr. Sprague did, 1843. During his five years of 
study he received no more no less than one dollar. If law students 
of to-day think they are inadequately compensated, they may con- 
gratulate themselves that they are quite as well paid as he was. He 
congratulated the Bar, both old and young members, upon the 
completion of the elegant court rooms in the new Hall, and hoped 
that their occupancy would inspire the profession to renewed efforts 
to raise it to a higher plane, both socially and professionally. 



71 

Appropriate remarks were also made on behalf of the younger 
members of the profession by Messrs. 0. W. Goodyear and H. R. 
Squire, after which Mr. George Gorham offered the following 
resolution : 

Resolved, That it is the sense of the Bar of Erie County, that at the sessions 
of the General Terms of the Supreme and Superior Courts, the Judges should 
enter in a body ; that the Crier of the Court should announce their coming 
and that the members of the Bar should rise and remain standing until the 
Judges have taken their seats. 

Mr. Gorham supported his resolution with some well-put argu- 
ments, citing similar usage in other courts and places to justify the 
adoption of the proposed practice here. He was followed by 
Messrs. George Wadsworth, John Norris, General Scroggs, George 
W. Cothran and M. A. Whitney, in support of the resolution, and 
by Messrs. L. L. Lewis and J. 0. Strong, who thought the matter 
had better be deferred and referred to the proposed Bar Association, 
when formed, or to a meeting of the Bar called for the purpose of 
considering the question. 

The resolution was finally adopted by a very decided majority, 
and the meeting adjourned sine die. 



72 



THE COMMON OOUlSrCIL. 



DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHAMBER. 



The first regular weekly meeting of the Common Council in the 
magnificent Chamber of the City and County Hall, was held on 
Monday, March 13, 1876, at 2 o'clock p. m. It was deemed emi- 
nently fitting and proper on such an occasion to observe some 
formalities other than the usual routine of business, which should 
commemorate an event of no little importance and long to be 
remembered by the present generation in Buffalo, Accordingly, 
the programme arranged by the committee was carried out in good 
order, in the presence of as large a company of ladies and gentlemen 
as the spacious room would accommodate. Only those to whom 
tickets had been issued were admitted, as otherwise the crowd who 
would have sought admission would have been quite too large. 
Extra seats for the visitors were provided in the lobbies, and also 
within the railings. The Germania Band, numbering forty pieces 
and in full uniform, was ranged in front of the platform occupied 
by the City Clerk and reporters. 

Shortly after two o'clock the meeting was called to order by the 
president, Alderman A. S. Bemis. All the members were present. 

His Honor Mayor Becker, the Eev. Drs. J. C. Lord, Wm. Shelton, 
and A. T. Chester, ex-Mayors Hiram Barton and Chandler J. Wells,. 
and Hon. Gr. W. Clinton occupied seats upon the dais with the 
presiding officer. 

Dr. Lord opened the special exercises in pronouncing the following 
prayer : 

O, Lord God, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that we are permitted 
to come into this noble edifice and look upon this great work. We thank Thee 
that in Thy holy and eternal providence Thou hast suffered it thus to be 
brought to completion; that no fires have devoured it; that no raging whirl- 
wind has torn it apart, and that no trembling of the earth has torn it 
asunder, and that we have it fully and complete here to-day. We give 
thanks to God for all His mercies, and implore His divine benediction 
upon this structure in the years to come, that it may be spared to the city 



73 

that it may be preserved in Thy providence, that it may remain in future gen- 
erations as a monument of those of the present age. O, we pray Thee, that 
the legislators who may assemble in this place from time to time, and year to 
year, may be guided by Thy good spirit. May they have that spirit of wisdom 
and understanding which alone can come by Thy divine love. May the coun- 
sels of this body be just ; may they ever be free from corruption ; may they 
ever seek the good of the great city. O, Lord, we ask Thee to bless them in 
their incoming and putgoing. Lord, guide and bless and sanctify them. May 
this fair city grow until no man can count the number of its population ; and 
may it spread like its sister cities in power and commerce. O, Lord, grant that 
Thy divine work come, and may the people grow wiser, and may they improve, 
and may they receive the Gospel of the blessed God, and that this land may be 
known as a Christian land, and under Christian influence and guided by 
Christian influence. Now, 0, Lord, hear our prayer, as we commend this 
body to Thee. Be Thou. O, Lord, their guide, their protector and their friend; 
and do for them bountifully beyond what they are able to ask, or even to think. 
Amen. 

Hon. Philip Becker, Mayor of Buifalo, and one of the Building 
Commissioners, then spoke as follows: 



ADDRESS OF MAYOR BECKER. 

Mr. President and Members of the Common Council: 

We have assemblid here to-day to celebrate the opening of the 
new City and County Hall, and the duty has devolved upon me as 
chief executive of the city to welcome you, and through your pre- 
siding oflScer to entrust to your care and custody this beautiful 
Council Chamber. You have reason to be proud, called as you are 
by the voice of the people to occupy seats in this uoom and in this 
magnificent structure, which is deservedly the pride and ornament 
of our city. 

From a small village, with but few houses, Buffalo has grown to 
be a beautiful, prosperous and enterprising city, and has attained 
the name of Queen City of the* Lakes, from her position, beauty and 
importance. The rapid progress, wealth and enterprise of her 
citizens required, notwithstanding the financial depression of the 
time, a public building for the accommodation of the different 
departments of the city government. Immediately upon the ap- 
pointment of the Board of Commissioners, the matter was promptly 
taken in hand, and the result of their labors is demonstrated to-day, 
in the completion of this superb edifice. 

Permit me, gentlemen, to say that when you convene in this 
Chamber, to attend to your official duties, you should lay aside all 
partisan and personal considerations, and guard the honor and 
pledge yourselves to be loyal to 

THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CITY. 

Eesponsibilities and duties always important, at times onerous 
and delicate, rest upon you. Let your actions be animated by a 
spirit of harmony, and you will not only receive the plaudits, but 



74 

the gratitude of your constituency. You are the first corporate 
body to hold its meeting and deliberations in this Chamber, and as 
it happens to be in the centennial year, an event that will not easily 
be obliterated from our memory, let all your actions be in conformity 
with the interests of the taxpayers. You are the 

LEGISLATIVE BODY OF THIS CITY, 

and to your hands is entrusted the interest of the entire community. 
Aim toward economy, reduction of taxes and the general improve- 
ment and prosperity of the city, and you will have the respect and 
confidence of every well-minded citizen. I hope and trust that no 
act or actions of the Common Council will ever disgrace or dishonor 
this Chamber. It is my most sincere wish that all your proceedings 
hereafter may be of such a nature as to merit the approval of the 
executive branch of the municipal government and the citizens at 
large. 

In reply to Mayor Becker, President Bemis said : 



ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT BEMIS. 

Mr. Mayor: On behalf of the Common Council of the city of 
Buffalo, and of the people we here represent, I^ thank you, sir, and 
the Board of Commissioners, of which you are a member, for the 
generous and substantial manner in which these spacious accommo- 
dations have been provided for this Council, and in accepting the 
same, I have to ask, that you will please convey to the Board of 
Commissioners, ^he unqualified approbation of this body, in all 
things pertaining to their acts, in regard to the interests of this 
city in the trust reposed in them. 

The Council will undoubtedly take such action in the premises 
as will give fitting expression to its views upon this subject, to be 
entered upon the minutes of this Board. 

Addressing the Council and those present, President Bemis then 
spoke as follows : 

Gentlemen of the Common Council: This Board assembles to-day, 
under an agreeable change of circumstances, especially in regard to 
its place of meeting, and it would seem eminently proper that some 
fitting recognition of the change that has been wrought should be 
manifested by this Council, at this, its first meeting here. And as 
this occasion calls to my mind reminiscences concerning the early 
history of this Franklin square, which, taken in connection with 
the history of this building, it may not be deemed inappropriate to 
relate at this time. I am, therefore, led to ask your indulgence in 
a few brief remarks applicable to the occasion. 

Gentlemen, as I stand here to-day, and view the vast proportions 
and elegant style of this spacious and commodious Hall that has 



75 

been provided and set apart for the use of this Council, and con- 
trast the scene of to-day with the sorrowful scenes of long ago that 
have been witnessed upon the ground whereon this grand structure 
has been erected, I confess that I feel almost over-awed at the 
change which the transition from the solemnities of the past to the 
grandeur of the present has produced. 

MEMORY CAKRIES ME BACK OVER HALF A CENTURY 

to the days of my childhood and early youth, when the land upon 
which this building now stands, was the common and only burial- 
place for the dead of the then village of Buffalo, for which purpose it 
had been dedicated by the Holland Land Company, when laying out 
the village. My aged mother, who is still living in Buffalo, informs 
me that her father, Gamaliel St. John and Elias Ransom, organized a 
"chopping bee," and cleared this ground of its original timber- 
growth, and laid it out aa s place for the reception of the dead. Mr. 
St. John had buried his second son here, soon after coming to Buf- 
falo, and he and his eldest son were subsequently buried here in 
181.3, both having been drowned together in the Niagara river, by 
the upsetting of the boat in which they and a party of men were 
crossing from Black Rock to the Canada shore, in the interests of 
the American army, and in the endeavor to open up and establish 
communication with a portion of the American forces, then holding 
possession of Fort Erie and other posts in the vicinity. And here, 
almost beneath the place where I now stand, the remains of my 
father reposed for nearly thirty years, having been buried here in 
1823. Others of my kindred, also, 

SLUMBERED IN THIS SACRED PLAT OF GROUND 

for many years; and it is a somewhat singular coincidence, that the 
kindly acts of my grandfather, St. John, in giving a respectable and 
sightly appearance to this village burial-ground' in its earliest use, 
became coupled with the fact, that members of his own family were 
about the first — and the very last that found sepulture in it, his 
daughter, the wife of the late Judge Samuel Wilkeson, being the 
last. Judge Wilkeson was the Mayor of this city at the time of his 
wife's death in 1836, and the Common Council granted him a special 
permit to bury her here, long after interment in this ground had 
been prohibited. Many of the early settlers in Buffalo, whose names 
are now only remembered by a very few of the living of to-day, 
rested here from their labors, as did also some of their children and 
their children's children after them. And here also, in this old 
graveyard, the children of fifty years ago were wont to wander 
from their sports upon the adjacent green. The village school- 
house was near by, and this was their favorite place of retreat when 
let loose from school. Thus, the children of my time became curi- 
ous lookers-on at many a scene of sorrow and sadness, at times when 
their sports were interrupted by the lamentations of those bereaved. 



76 

•who brought hither to this once hallowed and holy spot their loved 
ones to be returned to their parent dust. And such were the scenes 
here of the long ago, that come up before me to-day in contrast 
with the present. And what a change ! But death, the great har- 
vester of all earthly and human hopes is also a most constant gleaner; 
and the hand of ambition is seldom if ever stayed, and pays but poor 
respect at times to the dead or the living. 

Buffalo had grown to an incorporated city in 1832, with Ebenezer 
Johnson for its lirst Mayor, a portrait of whom has recently been 
presented by his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Lord, to be hung upon the walls 
of the Mayor's office in this building. 

THE FIRST VISIT OF THE ASIATIC CHOLEEA 

to the shores of America in 1832, brought a most unwelcome guest 
to this young and growing city; and the consequences were direful 
indeed. The capacity of this common burial-place was taxed to its 
uttermost, and interments in it were therefore soon prohibited. 
Meanwhile other cemeteries were established, and many of the dead 
removed thither from this ground, by the voluntary acts of surviv- 
ing friends; and finally in 1852, the remains of all were removed by 
order of the Common Council, and at the public expense, to a lot 
in Forest Lawn, procured for the purpose. The remains of about 
two thousand bodies were so removed, and with few exceptions 
were without recognition by surviving friends, and without tomb- 
stones or tablets were promiscously interred, where they now sleep 
unnumbered and unknown, awaiting identification at the final res- 
urrection. The city erected a fitting monument to the memory of 
a few distinguished officers of the war of 1812, whose remains were 
among those removed to Forest Lawn, and thus ended the "grave- 
yard scenes" in this time-honored and historic ground. The city 
having acquired absolute title to this land before the removal of the 
dead, a new era soon dawned upon the visions of men in regard to 
its future use. Some agitated the project of a public square or 
park. The city authorities had also been required by decisions 
to vacate the Terrace between Main and Pearl streets, then occupied 
by what was known as the Terrace Market building — the upper 
story of which was devoted to the use of the Common Council and 
city offices. Hon. Hiram Barton was then Mayor; and to his fore- 
sight and energy, was due the plan of purchasing the Franklin 
street front of this public ground, and the fitting up of the build- 
ings thereon for city purposes, and with a view also to its ultimate use 
as a site for a City Hall, when a new one should be required. This 
project was carried into effect in pursuance of an enabling act of 
the legislature. The land was purchased and merged with the old 
burial-ground, and the whole was dedicated as Franklin Square, 
reserving in the center thereof, a site for a City Hall. 

I had the honor of being a member of this body at the time this 
was done, and voted for the measure; and I have been spared and 
favored to be here to-day, at the consummation of the plans of 



77 

nearly a quarter of a century ago, and permitted to take part with, 
you in these ceremonies. The good people of this city, and the 
county of Erie have most nobly seconded these early efforts that 
were made. Nay, we might almost say, they have been extrav- 
agant and lavish, in these times of financial embarrassment through- 
out the land, in erecting such a grand and costly structure as this 
City and County Hall proves to be. But when we consider that 
the wants and' 

KEQUIEEMENTS OF OUE LOCAL GOVEEKMENT, 

for all time to come, as well as for the present, have formed a chief 
part of the study of the Commissioners who have been entrusted 
with the construction of this building, we cannot but say. that their 
labors have been arduous indeed, and exceedingly well performed ; 
and that the accommodations and conveniences provided for the 
several branches of the city and county governments, as well as for 
the judiciary, are all that could be desired, and will prove adequate 
therefor, while these granite walls shall stand. The various depart- 
ments of the city government have been transferred to this mag- 
nificent edifice; and it remains for the Common Council to 
inaugurate herein the legislative branch thereof. The session of 
to-day will, therefore, form a note-worthy event in the history of 
this city in connection with the dedication of this building in this 
centennial year; and the record of this day's proceedings will long 
outlive the members whose names are recorded at this first roll-call 
of the Common Council in this elegant and spacious Hall. 

Gentlemen of the Common Council, we are here assembled, with 
our fellow-citizens in attendance, 

TO SOLEMNLY DEDICATE THIS CHAMBEE 

to the uses for which it has been set apart ; and it were well, indeed, 
if we, the members of this body, should likewise here dedicate our- 
selves to the welfare and prosperity of this city, and to its people 
as well, who have entrusted us with the powers we here possess ; 
vouchsafing to them, if it were possible for us so to do, that the 
local legislation of this city shall from this day forward, have a 
new departure, that sh'all be commendable in their sight, and that 
shall prove worthy of imitation, by all who shall come after us, to 
occupy these seats. 

At the conclusion of the address of the presiding officer, Hon. 
George W. Clinton, Chief Judge of the Superior Court, was intro- 
duced, and spoke as follows: 



78 



ADDRESS OP HON. Gt. W. CLINTON. 

Mr. President and Gentlemen : I feel most deeply the honor 
you have done me. But I cannot — I know I cannot — adequately 
express my sense of it, nor my respect for you. Old recollections 
of the' day of little things, when I was Mayor of our then infant 
city, and of the men, now dead, whose virtues and exertions con- 
tributed to confirm its safety and exalt its honor, crowd into my 
mind and almost overwhelm me. But neither recollections of the 
past nor exultation in the greatness and goodness of our dear city 
can make me eloquent. The contrast is too great, the grief too 
deep. It seems to me, removed as I have been for many years from 
active public life, that I belong to the puny past rather than to the 
glorious present. The unwonted magnificence of this noble Council 
Chamber confounds me, and the solemnity of this audience disturbs 
me. Were it not for the fact that in you I recognize my own dear 
friends and neighbors, I might well imagine myself standing in the 
Koman Senate, this Chamber is so perfect and so grand. Ebenezer 
Johnson, the first Mayor of Buffalo, went to his reward many weary 
years ago. But when his son-in-law, the Reverend Dr. Lord, in- 
voked the blessing of Almighty G-od upon our city and ourselves, 
the majestic form of that worthy man and faithful citizen rose up 
before me. My old college friend and room-mate must excuse me. 
I must say that his presence gives me profound pleasure, and that 1, 
in common, I doubt not, with all who hear me, venerate his well 
spent life and reciprocate his prayers. 

Eightly understood, there is wondrous and solemn truth in the 
oft-quoted lines : 

" How fares tlie land, to hastening ills a prey. 
Where wealth accumulates and men decay ! 
Princes or lords may flourish or may fade ; 
A breath can make them , as a breath has made ; 
But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, 
When once destroyed can never be supplied." 

Here where the majority forms the government and controls its 
policy, if the virtues of the masses be sapped, unbounded and irre- 
sponsible ruin must be the consequence. 

Thank heaven, the people whom we serve are intelligent and un- 
corrupt. The people of Erie county, and of every part of it, are 
kind, and liberal, and noble. We office-holders are its servants ; 
and we, in this great City and County Hall, if we are wicked and 
slothful servants, can never say to it, " Lord, we know thee that 
thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gath- 
ering where thou hast not strewed." This massive building, famous 
for all time, with its rich, chaste ornamentation, its admirable ap- 
pointments for health and comfort, arid its perfect adaptations and 
conveniences for the discharge of all county and city official duties, 
is, and will remain forever, a witness of the just pride and generous 



79 

spirit that animates our people, and, we trust, an admonition and 
incentive to fidelity and honor. Too high praise can hardly be 
awarded to the Commissioners who have so thoroughly and wisely 
given effect to the popular will. But to the people of our city and 
county we and all posterity must attribute the glory of this marvel- 
ous achievement. 

What, my friends, is the acceptance of office, but a contract ? 
No nobly-minded man seeks any office except for the honor to do 
some service to the public. He will not take a paid sinecure. He 
desires, perhaps needs, the emoluments of office, but he feels that 
his contract binds him to fidelity to the interests and the honor of 
his master, and is determined to earn them. 

THE FAITHFUL OFFICER HAS HIS REWAED 

in the respect, perhaps in the affection of the public, and goes down 
to an honored grave; but the betrayer of a public trust withers un- 
der public scorn and private detestation, sinks into a shameful 
grave, and leaves to his descendants the odious inheritance of his 
tainted name. Of the infamy that follows the plunderer of the 
public, we have, alas ! a recent example in the late Secretary Bel- 
knap. We have another sad example in our city. Better far to die 
any honest death, though it be tm be torn asunder by horses, to be 
hung, drawn and quartered, to be impaled, than to survive with the 
unutterable shame that dogs the heels and the intolerable remorse 
that gnaws, or ought to gnaw, the soul of the perjured thief, of the 
money entrusted to him by the people. 

0, my friends ! true and loyal representatives of the generous 
people that you are — intrusted as you are with the conservation and 
promotion of their interests, and with the maintenance. of the ^air 
fame of our city, you will, we are confident, be always vigilant and 
faithful, and persistently tenacious of integrity and honor. It is an 
honor beyond all price to be trusted as you are by the people of 
Buffalo. This is an epoch in our history — an era worthy of all 
manner of commemoration. The name of our worthy Mayor ought, 
with your names, to be engraven, as the first occupants of this 
Chamber, here on eternal granite, in golden letters; and, some- 
where — perhaps in the center of the first flooi- — a column of granite 
ought to bear, in detached blocks, the name of any and every offi- 
cer who now is, or in the far future shall be, basely traitorous to 
our city. 

How strong and beautiful is our great city ! How nobly she sits 
above and looks out upon the lake ! How magnanimous she is, 
and how rich is the reward to those whom she says : "Well done, 
thou good and faithful servant." May the Almighty inspire me, 
and you, and all her servants, with a fixed longing for that reward, 
and give us grace to win it. 



80 



CONOR A TULA TIONS A ND TEA NKS. 

When Judge Clinton had concluded his feeling address, Alder- 
man N. 0. Simons offered the following resolutions, and moved 
their adoption : 

Resolved, That tlie congratulations of this Council be and the same are 
hereby extended to the citizens of the city of Buffalo and of the county of Erie 
upon the successful completion of this magnificent edifice, in which we to-day 
meet for the first time, which building is the noblest architectural ornament 
of our fair city, and may be regarded as the just pride of every citizen of Erie 
county. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Council be, and the same are hereby ten- 
dered, to the Building Commissiouers of this City and County Hall, for the 
commodious and elegant quarters assigned to this body in said building. 

Speaking upon the resolutions. Alderman Simons said : 



ADDRESS OF ALDERMAN SIMONS. 

Mr. President : It is with feelings of the liveliest "satisfaction 
and pride that I rise to speak to tl?e resolutions now pending. The 
record of this day will long be marked as a red letter page in our 
history, and in making it a day of jubilee and mutual congratula- 
tion, we are but giving expression to the feelings which animate the 
breasts of all classes of our fellow citizens. It has been well said, 
Mr. President, that in union there is strength, and the truth of that 
ancient saying has been strikingly verified in the erection of this 
magnificent structure, whose towering spire pierces the upper air, a 
lofty testimony of what such strength may accomplish. 

Some years ago it had become manifest that our prosperous and 
expanding city had outgrown its public buildings, and a bold stand 
was taken for a City and County Hall which should meet our grow- 
ing wants, and be an ornament alike to the County of Erie and the 
Queen City of the Lakes, and instead of dividing the interests of 
city and county, the wiser plan was adopted, and with the city's co- 
operation the noble towns comprising the county of Erie came for- 
ward with boldness and energy to join in the noble work, the result 
of which unity we view with just pride in the building in which we 
this day meet for the first time, and which we to-day dedicate to 
the use and occupancy of this and coming generations. 

The choosing of the site on which to erect the structure became 
a matter of great moment, and after much thought and investiga- 
tion, Franklin park was selected, and although to many it is not 
Zion, 

"BEAUTIFUL FOE SITUATION"," 

yet I boldly assert that its contiguity to the various railroad depots, 
from which come vast throngs of people having business with the 



81 

County Clerk and Treasurer, the Surrogate and the various Courts, 
its proximity to the offices of the legal fraternity, and its convenient 
access to all classes of our citizens, makes the "location the most 
convenient to the greatest number ; and when in a few years we 
shall be able to sweep away the intervening buildings between this 
and Main street, and when the City and County Hall Park shall 
bloom in all its loveliness, our chronic croakers will be compelled to 
admit the wisdom of the choice. 

Mr. President, the spot on which we stand is consecrated ground, 
for the soil beneath our feet was once the resting-place of the re- 
mains of many of this county's illustrious dead, but as must always 
be the case in this live and busy, progressive world, the dead have 
been crowded out to make room for the living. It is a suggestive 
fact, the venerable divine who to-day opened with prayer the dedi- 
catory service, officiated at the last rights of him whose mortal re- 
main's were last deposited within these grounds. Now they repose 
beneath the quiet shades of beautiful Forest Lawn, where (almost 
reverently do I say), peace be to their ashes, while here upon the 
soil thus made sacred has risen this massive granite pile, with 
heavenward pointing spire, to stand as an enduring monument to 
their energetic work while living, and their resting-place when 
dead. 

Mr. President, we must congratulate ourselves upon the most 
fortunate selection of the Building Commissioners, for among them 
were men of large understanding and strict integrity, and thorough 
business capacity, and under their most careful attention — with 
closely scrutinized contracts and competitive bids for labor and ma- 
terial — the whole work has been done for the lowest possible pay, 
and while many who have taken contracts have gone away wounded 
and limping, but few have gone away with a chuckle that they had 
taken away many more dollars than they had put down; while all 
who have had jobs for labor or material have worked chiefly without 
further profit than that derived from the advertisement of their 
goods, wares and merchandise, for which this building has afforded 
a most excellent opportunity. 

Among such advertisers may be found representatives not only of 
our city, but of New York, Boston, New Albany and Hartford, 
and all have left work here of which they may well be proud. 

The materials have been purchased, as far as possible, of our own 
tradesmen and manufacturers. The various industries of our city- 
and county have been patronized, and the labor in construction has 
been by our own people ; and I here, in the presence of this audi- 
ence, assert that this City and County Hall 

IS THE BEST BUILDING FOE THE MOKEY 

it cost, that stands on the western continent, for it has been erected 
without the rings and accompanying stealings that usually prevail 
in Jobs of such magnitude. 



82 

Of the Building Commissionerg, all of whom have labored so faith- 
fully and well, I am sure the other members will foi-give me if I 
only make mention of one name, and his is inseparably connected 
with this building, for he has styled it his " baby," and having 
watched it from its infancy up to full stature, I hope and pray that 
'he will not be led to exclaim, like Simeon of old, "mine eyes have 
seen thy glory, and now let thy servant depart in peace." It is scarcely 
necessary to say that the name I allude to is that of Dennis Bowen. 

Mr. President, it is altogether probable that some of those who 
for the fii'st time visit the several apartments exclaim, this is ex- 
travagance. This smacks too strong of dollars and cents in many 
of its details. This chandelier with its colossal proportions, for 
example, may be thought too large, costly, gorgeous. Yet a glance 
at the general architectural design of the chamber reveals the fact 
that it is only in equal and exact proportions. Let it be remem- 
bered that this magnificent structure was not built for a day, but 
for time; and when yonder clock, whose pendulum tells by pairs 
the fleeting seconds, and whose electric life may be note(^ by the 
jumping minutes on twenty-eight dials of which this is one, shall 
have faithfully marked the cumulative years, and when on the mid- 
night air shall peal forth from that deep-toned bell the second cen- 
tennial year of America's independence, this granite pile will be 
found intact from base to dome. 

Now, Mr. President and fellow-members of this Common Coun- 
cil, I come to the second resolution, and I may observe that this is 
where the laugh comes in. The Building Commissioners have be- 
stowed upon us, through our worthy Mayor, this roomy, well-ven- 
tilated chamber, having with a lavish hand fitted out and adorned 
it so magnificently that we find ourselves to-day occupying the most 
elegant Council Chamber in these United States, and most ungrate- 
ful would we be if we did not all most cheerfully and heartily en- 
dorse the resolution. 

Finally, as we are out of the old house into the new, let us begin 
our work here with the high resolve so to discharge our duties that 
when we have been gathered to the land of our fathers, and when 
the heads of wisdom which now grace and adorn this chamber shall 
have passed away, and these halls shall echo to the tread of other 
foot-falls, and when our children shall gather here, it may be said 
of the Council of the first centennial year of the republic — the first 
to occupy this chamber — that its record was without spot or stain. 

In seconding the motion for the adoption of the resolutions. Aid. 
A. L. Lothridge said : 

REMARKS OF ALDERMAN LOTHRIDGE. 

Mr. President and Members of the Council: I heartily second 
the motion of the alderman of the Ninth. Surrounded by our 
fellow-citizens, whose faces are an index of the mingled admira- 
tion and wonder that possessed them on entering this magnificent 



83 • 

building, we can well afford to give toneful expression to their silent 
congratulations ; and we should be derelict in our duties as municipal 
legislators did we not also convey to those gentlemen, on whom the 
burden rested, our heartfelt appreciation of the success which has 
crowned their efforts in presenting at last to the admiration of every 
beholder one of the noblest temples of justice and law in these United 
States. 

It certainly is a good omen — and one we hope may prove propi- 
tious — that this epoch in our municipal history is glorified in the 
recurrence of the hundredth anniversary of our National Independ- 
ence. Who will gainsay that to-day's event may not mark the 
beginning of a renewed life in city government; the ending of 
strife and party hostility which, unhappily, but too often was man- 
ifested in the time-worn structure we have just deserted. 

Gentlemen of the Council : Ours the pride denied our predeces- 
sors! Ours the glory they fain would covet! In like manner let 
ours be the task of revivifying the purity of government and integ- 
rity of purpose that animated the men who first made the walls of 
the old Council re-echo with 

THE HONEST PLEA OF THE TAXPAYEE. 

Let us bring into this new temple an ambition to excel only in an 
unselfish regard of duty and a jealous care for the weal of those 
who have proclaimed us their representatives. Let the mistakes of 
the past be buried in the destruction of yonder building, which 
soon will be among the things of the past. 

The time, the scene, the occasion, all these, gentlemen of the 
Council, I know animate us with a feeling of good-fellowship for 
one another, and for just and unselfish legislation. If, in the pros- 
ecution of our manifold duties, we are actuated by patriotism, and 
that patriotism is the outgrowth of love of justice, and that jus- 
tice the parent of honesty, and that honesty the essence of virtue 
that springs from the fountain of all truth, no man can point at us 
the finger of derision; no future will blast our reputation! A 
hundred years hence posterity may not have forgotten the first 
meeting in this new Hall, and the Council of 1976 may meet and 
feel as we meet and feel to-day. 

The resolutions offered by Aid. Simons were adopted unanimously. 



DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION. 

Aid. Elijah Ambrose then offered the following resolution: 

. That in tlie name of the citizens of Baflfalo, whose representatives we are, 
we dedicate this legislative hall to the exclusive use of the Common Council. 
As the construction of this splendid edifice marks a new era in the growth 
and progress of our beautiful city, illustrating a higher order of architectural 
taste, so may the future action of this Council give evidence of greater de- 
votion to the public interest, of stronger determination to secure a pure and 
economical municipal government, and more careful and constant endeavor to 
protect and promote the welfare of our citizens. 



84 • 
In moving the adoption of his resolution, Aid. Ambrose said : 

REMARKS OF ALDERMAN AMBROSE. 

The resolution just read speaks for itself, and it is a very easy 
matter for this Council to carry out its instructions. In the first 
place let each alderman before he enters into this noble building 
shake the dust from his garments, and at the same time not forget 
but also shake the politics from his mind, and let no personal favor- 
itism be shown where it is to the injury of others; and this same 
advice I would also give to the heads of all the departments in our 
city government, including the judiciary. Let us not strive to gain 
party advantage over each other, but let us legislate for the greatest 
good to the greatest number; by so doing we will unite in acommon 
cause, and look to the interest of our taxpayers and to the prosper- 
ity of our beautiful city. 

Aid. Ferris, in seconding the motion for the adoption of the res- 
olution offered by Aid. Ambrose, addressed the Council and those 
present as follows : 

SPEECH OF ALDERMAN FERRIS. 

Mr. President: It is not very often that so distinguished an audi- 
ence and so well assorted with the fair sex, and those whom we love 
and honor, listen to the deliberations of the Common Council, and 
inasmuch as our friend Ambrose proposed to pledge that this Council 
in the fubure shall be free, so that when the public shall read in the 
newspapers the record of its doings that it shall be with satisfaction 
that every taxpayer shall be satisfied with its proceedings, it seems 
proper to reply to this resolution. Not in opposition to its senti- 
ment, for I honor the member from the Fifth Ward in his senti- 
ment, but let us pledge before this audience our honest endeavor to 
do what we believe to be right. I know that at times the taxpayers 
of the City of Buffalo, will have occasion to make complaint. I 
know that they have had occasion to make complaint at the action 
of the Common Council in the past. I see before me many men 
who have occupied the position before me, and I see but few, if any, 
who have left it with their honor tainted or the maledictions of the 
public resting upon them. I enter into the sentiments that have 
been expressed in these resolutions in this Council Chamber with 
feelings of pride — pride that I have been so long a time a citizen of 
so proud a city. I can say with a citizen of old, 

"l AM A CITIZElSr OF NO MEAN" CITY," 

but a city of honor, whose name has ever been and ever will be a 
name of honor among her sister cities. 

I am pleased that so large a number of our fellow-citizens have 
attended with us also at this opening, and I have to thank them, 



85 

and say we are glad to be recognized by you, and in the future, if 
you have occasion to find fault with the action of this Council, bear 
with great consideration with the present, and with the future 
members of it, for we are of tiie people. We are not born into any 
line of nobility by which we acquire any position in this place, but 
acquire thepi because of the choice and selection of the people 
whom we represent, and as we come from them, it seems to me, 
that when I see the honorable men who sit upon the platform with 
you, and surround us here, and who so seldom make their appear- 
ance at the Council Chamber, unless it is for some personal or pri- 
vate reason — it seems to me that this is an appropriate occasion for 
every member of the Common Council to make a determination 
set forth in this resolution, that, so help him God, he will strive to 
do what is right and honest and just before all men. [Great ap- 
plause.] 

The resolution was then unanimously adopted, and the Council 
took a recess for mutual congratulations with their constituents 
present, and to permit a more informal inspection of their spacious 
Chamber and its rich and beautiful appointments. 



86 



RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES. 



A MEMORIAL SERMON— AN INTERESTING DISCOURSE BY 
DR. HEACOCK. 



Rev. Dr. Grosvenor W. Heacock commemorated the event of 
the completion of the new Hall in the delivery of a historical dis- 
course appropriate to the occasion. The Doctor was born in Buffalo, 
and, although he is not as old as the venerable Court House, he has, 
nevertheless, for nearly a third of a century officiated as pastor of 
the Lafayette Street Presbyterian Church, that has a frontage upon 
Court House Park in the immediate vicinity of the old and now 
deserted temple of justice. The Sermon was delivered Sunday even- 
ing, March 12, and was especially addressed to the legal profession, 
a goodly number of whom being present. 

The reverend speaker said : 

Dear Friefids and Brethren : You will excuse my taking notice of 
an event of so much interest to me, to the county, and to you, as 
the abandonment of the old Court House, the seat of justice and of 
judgment among you so many years. You may wonder, indeed, 
how such an evt^nt should find an appropriate place and notice here 
in a Christian pulpit on the Sabbath day. I hope you may find 
reason to justify this act before I have done. 

IT HAS been our ZsTEIGHBOR 

for nearly thirty-one years. My recollections of the old and vener- 
able structure, which can be said no longer to grace our streets and 
park, runs back as far, probably further, than that of most of you. 
And singular enough, and appropriate to this day and occasion, my 
first recollections of that old interior are more connected with the 
gospel than the law. For in the winters of 1831 and 1832, the old 
Court House was occupied for religious services, and then your 
speaker — then a lad of eleven years of age — believes that he first 



87 

began to realize the verities and to feel the power of a religious 
life. It would be impertinent to dwell at any length upon an ex- 
perience so personal, but this I may say, that I believe then and 
there, as far as a boy might realize, I realized the hopes and fears, 
the anxieties and joys, which attend the beginning of a religious 
life. The next incident that occurs to my mind, as connected with 
that old Court House, carries us by a great leap over many years, and 
was the celebrated 

TRIAL OF THE BUFFALO BANK. 

George P. Barker, then Attorney-General of the State, and at the 
height of his fame, was in attendance as prosecutor for the govern- 
ment. The case had awakened a very general and great interest, 
especially in this community. Hiram Pratt, the president of the 
bank, was dead. The Court House was crowded to its utmost ca- 
pacity. I do not remember any of the details of the case. I have 
heard my genial friend, J. Hyatt Smith, tell of his coming on 
from Albany to be a witness in the case, in the rude baggage car, 
where he was compelled to stay to keep guard over a trunk of bank 
bills he had brought on for testimony in the trial. In the same 
rude car with him was a plain man, in rough working garb, who 
had a few express packages with him, which he was personally de- 
livering from station to station. These two took turns with each 
other. Smith watching his friend's packages when he went out of 
the car, and the friend his trunk when he wished to go out. They 
called the nian " Fargo," and this was the beginning of that grand 
enterprize of business energy and skill which has belted the conti- 
nent with the lines of " Fargo's Express." I have said the bank 
case had excited a great interest in the community. The intensity 
of the excitement was too great for Mr. Barker's strength. He was 
in a community where he had long lived, and it was, I think, his 
first and last official visit. When he rose to speak at one point of 
the case, I noticed clearly that he had lost control of his nervous 
energy — his hand trembled perceptibly as he endeavored to (farry a 
glass of water to his lips, so violently as to make the agitation visi- 
ble to all. I learned from that simple incident one secret of the 
true orator's power. There is no doubt that Mr. Barker was an 
orator, but then, to my mind, he had lost hold for the moment of 
one of its grandest secrets. He who would control others must be 
able to control himself. He must not tremble and shrink beneath 
the cloud, no matter how charged with electricity it may be; he 
must leap upon the cloud, and turn its thunders upon those whom 
he would crush or overwhelm. I felt such a pity for him — he could 
never have aroused within me a nobler sentiment of indignation. 
An almost perfect contrast to this was another scene I witnessed 
later in the old court room, and that was the first plea of the late 



88 



JUDGE JAMES MULLET 

before a jury. Mr. Mullet's fame as a jury lawyer had preceded him 
here, and many of his friends were gathered to hear his first plea 
to a Buffalo jury. The venerable ex-President, Mr. Fillmore, so 
lately deceased among us, was opposing counsel in the trial. I need 
not allude to the nature of the case. Mr. Fillmore had not risen 
then to the great distinction he afterwards attained, but was even 
then a very prominent personage in the political world. He hadi 
just returned from Congress where he held the important posif 
of Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the 
House of Eepresentatives. His plea was marked by that strong 
sound sense and clear discrimination, which was the characteristic 
of the man in his profession. When he had closed, Mr. Mullet 
rose. You could see he was laboring under great excitement, 
but he perfectly mastered it— it never for a moment mastered 
him. Folding his arms across his breast as a measure of self- 
control, as I thought, he began: "May it please the Court 
and Gentlemen of the Jury" — and then he went on. I think 
I could almost give the passage ; suffice it to say, that, beginning 
with a slow and measured movement, the sentence as it went on 
gathered volume and power — the sighing of the rising tempest, the 
roll of the approaching thunder was in it — till finally it closed 
with a burst of indignation and appeal like the crash of thunder 
over the very heads of the whole audience and jury. There were 
explanations to be made after that to justify his points, but it 
seemed to me as if from the close of that first sentence the case 
was already won. 

You may well ask, gentlemen, what have such incidents as these 
to do with such a time and place as this, and I will tell you. When 
I think and when you think what \ \ 

A BRILLIANT ARRAY OF ELOQUENT NAMES, '^ % 

of mat'chless arguments and successful pleadings where vice and 
crime have been overthrown and convicted, and virtue defended 
and honored; when you think of what a glorious history of all 
these incidents and names, the memories of that old court room 
bring back to you, are we not more impressed than ever with the 
glory, and yet the vanity of men's forensic victories and triumphs. 
Where are these great names now ? Where the memory of their 
great efforts ? 

Like smoke which the tempests in fury have riven. 

Like foam which the waves in their blindness have driven; 

They were, but they are not, their triumphs are o'er. 

And the place that once knew them shall know them no more. 

The conscientious pleader in the cause of truth and justice bears 
with him, indeed, through life, the dear memory, more priceless than 
jewels, of noble efforts well and worthily made, of noble triumphs 



89 

well and worthily won. "While he who has lent legal skill and study 
and eloquence to defend the wrong and prevent and defeat justice, 
memory consumes for him an apple of Sodom, fair to the seeming 
but ashes and bitterness at the core. Tliis is a lesson for which, 
God's altars are none too sacred a spot, to learn. 

Gentlemen, I was not educated for tlie profession to which you 
belong, and it is with the greatest diffidence that I venture to detain 
you for a single moment longer, to present one single truth which 
your studies have prepared you more profoundly to realize tban 
even a theologian can. 

In turning over the pages of a late autobiography of a distin- 
.uished preacher whose ministry was largely effective in your pro- 

sion, I came across a single statement of one of the topics on 
w^ich in a course of sermons to lawyers this preacher had addressed 
thwn. The topic was this, " That admitting that God was infin- 
benevolent, we could not infer from that, on principles of law as 
nistered now in good governments, that sin could be forgiven, 
ust infer from it on the contrary that incorrigible sinners 
not be forgiven." None of the details of the arguments are 
given4-not any of the proofs by which it was made out — yet the 
statenlent rested with such power upon my mind, and dnring this 
week ^en my own little legal reading brought up to my mind 
and mflmory a course of thought and illustration which seemed to 
me ve^ conclusive on the point, which I will briefly present to 
you, *nly premising if this be the truth that the presumptions 
unde» a good and wise human government are 



AGAINST PAEDOK ; 

are increased under an infinitely good and wise government, 
if the scheme of forgiveness presented in the Bible is not true, 
w#are shut out of all rational hope of any such thing as the for- 
eness of real sin or wrong under and against God's government, 
if the Bible is not true. Let us look a moment at this case. 
Fhe civil governments under which we live are and may be re- 
arded as generally benevolent, and yet on what principle are the 
^ rovisions for pardon based in these governments? Why, mani- 
festly and largely upon the imperfections of human jurisprudence, 
the native and inevitable imperfections of our procedures for the 
ascertainment of guilt; that you know is largely and generally the 
principle. If a man has clearly committed a crime, in a clearly 
responsible state of mind, has been fairly tried, and his guilt fairly 
and unmistakably ascertained, why, he goes to his punishment. 
Suppose you apply to the governor for pardon in such cases. He 
says to you: Gentlemen, I will hear what you have to say in this 
case; was this man of sound mind and condition? Did he know 
clearly what he was doing ? Was he fairly tried and fairly con- 
demned ? Then how can I interfere ? There the case ends — crime 
and punishment ! 
7 



90 

The speaker dwelt at some length upon excessive punishment, and 
argued that it ought to be fairly adjusted to the nature of the crime, 
and that the pardoning power in a good government is based largely, 
if not exclusively, upon the apprehended imperfection of human law. 
He said the hope of pardon for real sin — sin against God's supreme 
authority clearly and fully recognized it, was a very feeble one with- 
out the Bible. And yet, who has not sinned? In conclusion the 
speaker expressed the sentiment that the gentlemen ought to have 
no trouble in accepting the grand truth of the Bible — of a great 
day, of general and final assize and judgment. These things must 
be in human governments to remove certainly and securely away the 
evil and dangerous members of society. The public and open admin- 
istration of justice is needful for its influence on society, the good 
and the bad. Such a day will come in the history of the universe. 
It is the judgment of the great day, and man is moving surely and 
irresistibly toward that day. 



91 



THE BANQUET. 



'A PLEASANT REUNION OF THE ERIE COUNTY BAR. 



The concluding ceremonies in connection with the completion 
and occupancy of the City and County Hall were observed in a 
grand banquet or social re-union of the legal profession, at the 
Tifft House, Messrs. Tuthill Bros., proprietors, on Tuesday evening, 
March 14, 1876. 

The members of the Bar and invited guests, to the number of 
about one hundred and fifty persons, assembled in the parlors at 8, 
p. M., and were soon escorted into the banquet hall, where two ele- 
gant and bountifully spread tables extended the entire length of the 
hall, with one at right angles and uniting the tables at the upper 
end of the room, and forming the head, or post of honor. 

The windows and doors were hung and festooned with bunting 
and the stars and stripes ; fresh and fragrant flowers in abun- 
dance lent a charm to the interesting scene ; and Wahle's Band 
supplied its choicest music for the occasion. 

The company entered the hall under the direction of the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements, Hon. E. Carlton Sprague, Chairman of 
the evening, and the Kev. Dr. J. C. Lord in advance, who took their 
positions at the center of the transverse table at the head of the 
room. Then came, and were seated upon their right. His Honor 
Mayor Philip Becker, Hon. Gr. W. Clinton, Hon. James 0. Putnam, 
Gen. L. W. Thayer, Hon. Ceo. R. Babcock, Judge Albert Haight, 
W. H. Greene, 0. H. Marshall, Geo. Wadsworth; and upon their 
left, Hon. Richard P. Marvin, Judge James M. Smith, Judge James 
Sheldon, Hon. E. G. Spaulding, Hon. L. L. Lewis, Hon. H. S. 
Cutting, and Thos. J. Sizer, with other distinguished legal gentle- 
men, still farther down ; while Gen. G. A. Scroggs and Col. J. M. 
Willett served as Vice-Chairmen at the* other ends of the tables. 
At the right and left extremities of the Chairman's table were sta- 



92 

tioned District Attorney D. N. Lockwood and City Attorney John B. 
Greene. When all were in their places, Dr. Lord invoked a blessing 
upon the occasion. 

The company then seated themselves, and gave earnest attention 
to the bill of fare, which was of the usual " comprehensive" char- 
acter. Each legal gentleman present proved himself a good judge, 
so far as this one was concerned, and hence it follows that full and 
complete justice was done to the substantials and delicacies which 
it included. At intervals during the hour in which all this was 
going on, fine music was furnished by the band. 

Finally, the bill of fare having been thoroughly "discussed," 
Chairman Sprague arose and rapped for order, having secured 
which, he addressed the assembly as follows : 

REMARKS OF MR. SPRAGUE. 

May it please your Honors, the Judges of the Superior Court, 
and your Honor, the Judge of the County Court, Brethren of the 
Bar of Erie county, and Gentlemen : I congratulate you upon the 
auspicious circumstances which have brought us together this eve- 
ning. I congratulate our Judges and the elder members of our 
Bar, upon the possession of constitutions which have enabled them 
to survive the poisonous atmosphere of the old Court House, and 
particularly of the dens contained in what has been well called the 
new Court House, since doubtless it is a perfect novelty in the his- 
tory of architecture, unprecedented in its ugliness, unparallelled in. 
its inconvenience, and unique in its capacity for the gradual extinc- 
tion of human life. We can leave them both without regret, for, 
thank God, our natures are so constituted that we can carry with 
us all their precious memories while we leave their miseries behind. 
I congratulate the younger members of our fraternity that the pos- 
sibility is now afforded them of prolonging their lives through the 
ordinary term of human existence. I congratulate the Commis- 
sioners who have had in their charge the erection of the new City 
and County Hall, upon its beauty and the convenience of its inter- 
nal arrangements. Nothing seems to have been left undone by them 
which could in any way serve the use or comfort of the Bar, and I 
assure them that their labors in its behalf are fully appreciated and 
will be always gratefully remembered. Finally, I congratulate all 
here present upon the fact, that, after more than sixty years of 
patient waiting, the 

BAR OF ERIE COUNTY 

has finally succeeded in getting its legs together under the same — I 
will not say mahogany, for it is our centennial, and I am reminded 
of the father of our country and cannot tell a lie — but I will say. 



93 * 

speaking centennially and patriotically, under the shade of the 
noble aboriginal, and national tree, the American black walnut. 

Why we have waited so long to do so pleasant a thing is one of 
the topics that I hope to hear discussed this evening. It is not cer- 
tainly from want of intelligence. The Bar that has produced a 
President of the United States, a member of its Cabinet, a Lieu- 
tenant Governor, cannot admit any intellectual inability either to 
get up a dinner or get it down. And as to the morality of this 
Bar, we all know how inadequate the English language is to depict 
its virtues. But it is a mortifying fact that in the matter of eating 
and drinking, this Bar as a body, whatever may be said of its indi- 
vidual members, has been sadly degenerate, and that its conduct in 
this respect calls loudly for reform. This is the more lamentable 
when we reflect that Bar dinners are one of the time-honored insti- 
tutions of the profession. Shakespeare tells one of his characters in 
the "Taming of the Shrew " to do as "adversaries do in laAv, strive 
mightily, hut eat and drink as friends." Now Shakespeare may not 
live as long in the memory of mankind as the compiler of " Bar- 
bour's Supreme Court Reports," who has lately demonstrated his 
immortality by the issue of his sixty-sixth volume. But even we 
lawyers must' coincide that Shakespeare was something of an ob- 
server, and that when he took pains he handled the English language 
in a way that will bear comparison with some of the addresses to which 
the jury of Erie county have been accustomed to listen with such 
unqualified delight. Now we have his authority for saying that 
eating and drinking as friends constituted one of the important and 
well known functions of the legal profession of his time. So all of 
us who are at all familiar with the biographies of the ancient law- 
yers and judges of England, of those old leviathans who were 
accustomed to swim and spout amidst the deepest waters of the 
common law, will remember how faithful they were to this practice 
of their tribe. Who does not know that the judges and the Bar of 
England have always been accustomed to dine together at the 
assizes ; and so in staid New England ? My father tells me that 
when he was a boy he was a page in the courts of New Hampshire, 
in which Daniel and Ezekiel Webster were wont to strive mightily 
with Ichabod Bartlett and Jeremiah Mason, but never suffered a 
term to pass without 

BURYING ALL THEIR CONTESTS 

and giving to each other the hand of fellowship at the festive 
board. How it has been generally in New York I do not know; 
but with a blush I acknowledge the revolting truth that no such 
flagrant memories make sweet the annals of the Erie County Bar. 
In view of such a disgraceful record it is not surprising that the 
moment the message came to our ears, "Awake! Arise! or be for- 
ever fallen!" our consciences were stirred to their profoundest 
depths, that the pangs of remorse became unendurable, and that this 
festival was inaugurated as a token of our penitence for past un- 



94 

faithfulness, and onr resolution to lead, in this respect, at least,. 
lives more worthy of our vocation and its traditions. 

Gentlemen, since I have been a member of the bar, now nearly 
thirty years, it has been honorably free from petty jealousies and 
personal hostilities, and its controversies have been conducted with 
a fair degree of courtesy and mutual respect. But apart from our 
professional intercourse we have seen little of each other. We do 
not fully appreciate each other's gifts and virtues. We do not 
sympathize as we ought with each other's joys and sorrows. We do 
not aid as we ought those of our brethren who are in trouble, either 
from unavoidable misfortune, or in consequence of their own weak- 
ness or faults. It will be indeed a happy result of our meeting 
here to-night, if it shall inspire in us a deeper sense of the nearness 
of our relationship, and of our mutual obligations, and a resolution 
that in the future our social and other christian duties to each 
other shall be more faithfully performed. And now, gentlemen, 
having delivered what I presume will be much the longest and 
dullest address of the evening, let me say that we will assume that 
the usual toasts to the 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

the judiciary, the press, and the other dignitaries of the land have 
been duly offered and drank with all the honors, and in pursuance 
of the plan of the Committee of Arrangement, let us indulge in 
personal reminiscences of the history of our Bar, and the other 
genial table-talk, which shall spring naturally from the occa- 
sion, and the enjoyment of which is the principal object of this 
assemblage. 

The chairman then proposed the health of Eev, Dr. Lord, which 
was drank standing, and with three cheers. As the venerable 
clergyman rose he was greeted with loud applause. 

REMARKS OF DR. LORD. 

The reverend and venerable divine commenced by expressing 
thanks for the kind reception which had been accorded him. 
His acquaintance with the city was of fifty years' standing, and he 
had mixed in its affairs, public and private, legal and ministerial. 
He had ever loved the legal profession, and never had joined with 
those who had slandered it. Human law was but the offshoot of 
the divine. The speaker hardly knew where to begin, his recollec- 
tions were so varied. He might tell stories of John Root by the 
hour. George P. Barker was a most extraordinary and popular 
man. The speaker well remembered how affecting it was, at Mr. 
Barker's funeral services in the North Church, then just erected, to 
see the poor people, who loved him, crowding into the church to 
pay their last tribute of respect. The speaker also recollected many 



95 

things about Thomas T. Sherwood, an irrepressible man, who never 
stopped talking. Another singular man was Mr. Andrews, the second 
mayor of the city. On one occasion Mr, Andrews was being cross- 
examined hy Mr. White, and the Avhole village was aroused on the 
subject, and the Court House was filled to hear the remarkable duet 
between the two men. 

Mr. George R. Babcock and the speaker began the study of the 
law at the same time. He afterwards became a partner of Judge 
Love. The name of Clinton was familiar in Buffalo at that early 
day, and it was the effort of the people of this village to keep De 
"Witt Clinton in the governor's chair. When Judge Clinton came 
here, the people received him with great favor. Long may he live 
to wear the judicial ermine. Dr. Lord then closed by telling some 
very laughable stories of John Root, and, in taking his leave, said 
he desired most heartily the welfare of each and all whom he saw 
before him, and fervently hoped that beyond the storms of this life 
they would reach that eternal rest which remaineth to the people of 
God. 

The Chairman said : 

Gentlemen of the EiHe County Bar: There is one man present 
who, above all others, probably, we desire to hear from on this occa- 
sion, and with your permission I will call upon our venerable and 
distinguished friend, who is justly entitled to be called " The Old 
Man Eloquent." May his life be kept as fresh and as fragrant as 
the bright flowers that he loves so well to gather in the spring-time. 
Gentlemen, I propose the health of Hon. George W. Clinton, and 
let us all rise. 

Judge Clinton responded as follows .• 

ADDRESS OF JUDGE CLINTON. 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Bar of Erie County : I 
cannot, my friends, begin as did my friend I)r. Lbrd, following 
the chairman and addressing the judge of this court and of that 
court, but as to the honor, merit and distinction of the Bar of Erie 
County — our own Bar — I desire to say that I respect them all ; and 
above all I love the jolly, good-hearted fellows who are gathered 
around this festive board and are now about to hear the little I have 
to say. But I confess, gentlemen, that I am a little, a great deal 
surprised. I have made a false estimate, I fear, of your wisdom and 
your sense. Why, it seems to me, that you are only distinguished 
for commercial good sense. Why, we have all read, and we all know, 
that while speech is silver, silence is golden, and you prefer the sil- 
ver to the gold ; but, gentlemen, paper is said to be better than 
silver. Li our financial statements they tell us that it is no matter 
at all — that the nation is able to resume specie payment in silver, 



96 

and that it is not so desirable as paper. Now, I have not got paper 
— I have nothing but this poor silver. Why, gentlemen, if I could 
make a speech — but. really, I have. talked out all the little talk that 
I had in me. If I flattered myself that I could on any* occasion 
make a speech, you have taken that wind out of my sails by that 
meeting of the Bar when they dedicated the City Hall. I, very 
unfortunately, was prevented from going; and when I came to read 
the newspapers, I thought that I had sustained a great and almost 
irreparable loss. I have read those speeches with great interest ; 
they seem to be warm, and come right from the heart. And I was 
particularly struck with the speech made by 

OUR ILLUSTEIOUS SENATOE. 

.It was a capital speech; it was so fortunate in its allusions. If I 
had been there I should have been perfectly overwhelmed, and I 
should have rushed up to him and said. Brother Rogers, I am con- 
quered ; Brother Rogers, here, take my hat. [Applause.] Thank* 
Heaven, I have not had time to call on the senator, and as he has 
gone, too, my good old hat is safe yet. [Applause.] 

I cannot tell you, my friends, how happy this makes me. I am 
thankful to our Committee for a great many things. I am thankful 
to our host for the bountiful repast which has been spread before 
us. Everything seems to have been provided, as it ought to have 
been provi(Jed. I am thankful to the Committee of Arrangements 
for the manner in which they have conducted this banquet. I am 
duly grateful and sorry that they should have called on me for an 
address. I am thankful to be permitted to meet them and to meet 
all those here; it gives me a gratification that I am thankful for. 
Why, 1 thought that I should never see such a scene, as I now 
witness, this side of the grave; to see the Bar of Erie County all 
together here; men whom I love with all the strong emotions of 
my heart, and to whom I cannot express the affection with which I 
hold them. 

Now, my friends, I will say that, in respect to this Bar, we are 
divided into three classes. There are the really old men of the Bar, 
that are going, and probably their greatest triumphs have been 
achieved, I will say no more of them; and there are the men of 
middle age; the men who are in the meridian of their mental 
vigor, and in their bodily strength also, and who have been winning 
and who are winning triumphs from day to day, and as to that body 
of men, I assert it, unblushingly, as 

MY STEADFAST AND HONEST OPINION, 

that there is no Bar in this State or body of men superior to them, 
and I doubt if there is anywhere one that is equal to them. And 
the third class is a class of promise; it is the younger men that are 
now entering and are about to enter upon the profession, and from 
the indications which they give here, they are men who have a just 



97 

appreciation of the obligations of their profession, and will at any 
rate carry the banner as high as it now stands, and I hope that it 
may be still higher when their time comes. 

Now these classes are all together, for God's "sake keep them to- 
gether, let not this be the last occasion upon which the whole Bar of 
Erie Connty shall be brought together, to enjoy themselves at the 
festive board. This is a Bar to be proud of, but see to it, that its 
reputation is maintained; form your Bar Association, if you please, 
or let it go, but do see to the young men, encourage them, that 
they may maintain the character of the Bar fully up to its present 
standard. The old Bar is strong, and, as the old men are passing 
away, see to it that they will have worthy successors. 

Now, as to the young men, let me say, there was a man, but I am 
ashamed to say it, and I believe he was a lawyer too, who said that 
"A lawyer is one whose trade is to admit nothing, question every- 
thing, and talk by the hour." Surely, my young friends, you will 
follow in the footsteps of those who have preceded you, and you 
will give the lie to that definition of a lawyer. 

Now, gentlemen, I am sensible that I have detained you too long, 
and I will conclude only by saying this, in regard to the remark 
made by our reverend friend who has just left us. (Dr. Lord.) He 
stated of me tliat I came here in 1836, and was received with warmth 
by the city of Buffalo. Gentlemen, that is not entirely true; I came 
here, indeed, that year; I was received by a few, and by a few only. 
I was unknown; I had done nothing that had made me known; I 
was known to a very few, and I had to work my way. I have to 
say this, that although my father's name has been, in some respects, 
a benefit and an advantage to me, as I have always felt it to be an 
honor, yet I will say that it has often been to me, in my humble 
judgment, the greatest impediment that I have had to contend with 
in my life. Why it should be so I cannot say. 1 can only say that 
the bearing of that name, instead of its being a help to the gratifi- 
cation of any ambitious wishes, it has rather been an obstacle, but 
still I am proud to bear it. And this I will say, and I hold that 
what sustained me is that from the outset here I met a few friends 
in the business portion of the community, and a few friends among 
the Bar of Erie County, and if there has been anything that has 
kept me on the course of honor, which has kept my heart pure 
and my affections pure, it has been the 

AFFECTIO]*^ OF MY BROTHER LAWYERS; 

and I say to them, God bless them ; and I do hope that you will 
treasure among yourselves a love for every member of the profes- 
sion. It is the most honorable, except, of course, the clerical pro- 
fession, and it is in fact the most influential calling in our nation. 
The lawyers wield more influence than any other body of men in 
the country. 

I say to you frankly, I love this city — I love Buffalo; I shall be 
proud of it as long as I live. I trust that I shall see you showing a 



98 

social and friendly spii'it towards each other, and moving together 
in all the interests affecting the honor of our city; moving together 
as one man for its future glory and advancement. 

Mr, Spragne, the Chairman, then said : Gentlemen, we have heard 
two men that have risen to the summit of their respective profes- 
sions. We would now like to hear from some of the young men — 
those who have begun to climb the hill of fame and distinction. I 
give you, gentlemen, "The rising Bar of Erie County," and I ask 
my friend, Mr. Philip D. K. Saunders to reply. 

MR. SAUNDERS' ADDRESS. 

Mr. Chairman, and Gentlemen of the Bar of Erie County : This 
is indeed a felicitous occasion to the younger members of our pro- 
fession, and I think it an honor and a privilege to respond to the 
toast that has just been given by our esteemed brother. We con- 
gratulate ourselves that for the first time in the history of the Erie 
County Bar, the old members of the profession and the young, meet 
beneath the same roof, and sit around the same festive table, not 
only for the discussion of the bountiful repast that has been pro- 
vided here for us, but for a generous interchange of pleasant thought 
and sentiment. It is but a few years, yet it seems a long while, 
since the younger members of the profession in this city were gath- 
ered beneath the hospitable roof of one who is no longer among us. 
He has passed from our midst. That noble form of manhood we 
shall never see again. We shall never again be entertained beneath 
his hospitable roof. I mention the honored and revered name of 
the late ;John Ganson. We were gathered there on the occasion of 
the admission of one of the members of the Erie County Bar who 
is now present among us — Mr. Edward R. Bacon. We appreciated 
the honor that was conferred upon us by the invitation. We were 
very young then in matters of law, and younger still in the 

SUBJECT-MATTER OF DINNER PARTIES. 

To be invited to sit at the board of John Ganson was indeed an 
honor. We had misgivings as to how we should go there, and how 
we should comport ourselves when there, but we resolved to go, and 
we went. I well remember the preparations that I made to go to 
that party. It was the first dinner party that I had ever been in- 
vited to attend. I was comparatively without the pale of society, 
and consequently without a dress coat. And, Mr. Chairman and 
gentlemen of the Bar, I studied up on the subject of dinner parties 
for the occasion, I read somewhere that a pair of lavender pants 
was the thing to wear at a dinner party, and I forthwith ordered a 
pair of lavender pants. I also ascertained that a dress coat was the 
only thing that could be tolerated in such a mansion as John Gan- 
son's, and therefore a dress coat was ordered. But a vest suitable 



99 

for such an occasion defied research, and was something that 
occasioned me more anxiety and trouble than all the rest of my 
outfit. I finally ordered a very low white vest, and a pair of patent 
leather shoes, and thus arrayed I went, feeling as Solomon did in 
all his glory. I was escorted to the dinner by my friend, Mr. 
Lyman K. Bass. I can well remember the expression of John 
Ganson's face, and the merry twinkle of his eye, as he took in at a 
glance my whole make-up. But there was no embarrassment there. 
We had a noble host, and a most noble hostess. Everyone was made 
to feel at home, which, let me add, was the very height of enter- 
tainment. We had an enjoyable dinner, and we went forth from the 
mansion of John Ganson with a little old sherry in our heads, peace 
and good will towards all men in our hearts, and especially toward 
John Ganson, and thought what a glorious thing it was, after all, 

TO BE A LAWYEK. 

I think that is the only occasion, it is indeed the only occasion 
that I have been able to find, when any portion of the Bar of Erie 
County have met together in social intercourse. 

Concerning the erection of the new Court House, and leave-taking 
of the old one, I have few words to say. A great many tears have 
been shed by the older members of the profession upon leaving the 
venerable pile of bricks across the way. We have no such tears to 
shed. We have no endearing recollections of that faded pile of 
bricks. No thronging memories choke our utterances when we 
speak of that old Court House, but we do remember that on some 
occasions we have had our utterances choked inside of those old 
walls, when v/e have been endeavoring to convince a court or jury 
that we were right and everybody else wrong, in the struggle up the 
rugged hill of our profession. It has been the scene not only of the 
struggles, but the triumphs of the older members of the profession, 
who now are basking in the sunshine of professional eminence 
earned within its walls. Well may they mourn as they turn away 
from the venerable structure. 

Mr. Chairman, we consider that this new Court House has been 
given to us by the older members of the profession ; it has been 
built for our occupancy in years to come, when the great gath- 
erer shall have taken to himself a great many of the old members of 
the profession who are present at this dinner. We appreciate your 
kindness to us, and the tender solicitude that you exhibit for the 
wellfare and comfort of the younger members of the profession, but 
above all other things we congratulate you that you have 

STAVED OFF THE DAT OF PAYMEISTT 

for this beautiful and noble structure, until such time in the dim 
vista of the future, when an increase of clientage and a lucrative 
practice, will enable us to pay for the same easily and with pleasure. 
Mr. Chairman, we appreciate the responsibility that rests upon 
us. We must maintain the honor, the dignity, and the character of 



100 

the profession iii the future, as it has been sustained in the past. 
We have received a noble inheritance from the illustrious dead, and 
we have the living example of the older members of the profession 
to instruct us in the manner in which we shall practice law in order 
to merit that respect and confidence of the community which has 
been so generously bestowed upon them. With these precedents we 
cannot fail, if we do but follow them. 

And now, in conclusion, my friends, the younger members of the 
profession, pledge that we will maintain the honor and the dignity 
of the profession of the Erie County Bar. 



LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS. 

The Chairman announced the receipt of several letters and tele- 
grams of a congratulatory character. The first one presented was 
from 

SENATOR SHERMAN S. ROGERS. 

Buffalo, Marcli 13, 1876. 
Gentlemen : It is with very great regret tliat I am compelled to say that I 
cannot be present at the Bar banquet to-morrow evening. It will undoubtedly 
be an occasion of such genuine good feeling, and of such hearty festivity, that 
it will be remembered many years by the fortunate participants. 

I beg to offer the following sentiment and to call on my friend Putnam to 
respond to it, at the same time desiring that it be distinctly understood that the 
toast includes none of us boys. 

Yours respectfully, 

Sherman S. Rogers. 

The sentiment of Mr. Rogers was — "The Gray-Heads of the 
Bar," and Mr. James 0. Putnam being called upon by the Chair- 
man said: 

ADDRESS OF HON. JAMES 0. PUTNAM. 

I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the other members of the com- 
mittee for the grace which has afforded me the pleasure of this hour. 
I have been so long withdrawn from the active duties of the pro- 
fession, that your thoughtfulness is doubly kind. You say truly 
that my early retirement was not a voluntary one, and if I had the 
strength for its labors, I should regard no future so happy as that 
which should recall me to its activities. 

This is the Centennial year, and I suppose my friend Rogers 
deemed it necessary to call upon a gentleman of the 

REVOLUTIOKART PERIOD 

to respond to this gray-haired toast. Well, sir, I realize, as I look 
around this table of two hundred guests, and recognize not a half- 
score who were in the profession when I entered it, that I belong to 
a past generation. Nearly all the men who thirty years ago gave 



101 

renown to the Buffalo Bar are dead. And wliat a splendid galaxy 
of names now come thronging to memory! Tracy, Love, Potter, 
Fillmore, Hall, Haven, Barker, Sill, Smith, Mnllett, Sherwood, 
Tillinghast, Sawin, Verplanck, Hasten, Stow, Anstin, Cook, Hovt, 
and of a still younger generation, Greene, Norton, Welch. These 
are but a part of the many names which have made illustrious the 
Buffalo Bar. 

I know it is of the living you expect me to speak, but I am sure 
you will pardon this brief reference to a past sacred to us all. 

As I look around on this assembly my eye rests upon a venerable 
form full of years and of honor, whose presence among us imparts 
the highest interest to this occasion. 

THE REV. DE. LORD 

began his career in Buffalo, as alawyer, nearly half a century ago 
But while in the vigor of young manhood, and in the full tide of 
professional success, he consecrated his splendid genius, his rare 
talent, his varied learning, indeed all the wealth of his nature, to 
another profession akin to ours, yet of more exalted dignity. I say 
akin to ours, for if religion descended from God to men, or if it 
sprang from that moral consciousness which is a spark struck out 
of the divinity, is it not true that Law, as good old Hooker declared', 
" hath its seat in the bosom of God, and its voice is the harmony 
of the world ?" I rejoice in his honored presence among us to-night. 
It is one of the delightful recollections of my life that it was 'my 
pleasure for many years to have intimate relations with him, and 
that nothing has ever lessened the mutual feeling of kindness which 
has been, and still is, precious to me. 

I see present another representative of the advanced generation, 
who very appropriately led the commemorative services of the Bar 
on Saturday. A man who might easily be taken for a Eoman Sen- 
ator in the best days of Rome, when none were for a party, and all 
were for the State. It was my privilege to be associated with Mr, 
Babcock when in 1842 I began my professional life in Buffalo. 

May the time be a long way in the future before can be fully ut- 
tered our appreciation of that constellation of qualities of head and 
heart which have made the ripe lawyer, the pure and able statesman, 
the man without guile, and the friend that sticketh closer than a 
brother. 

By my side sits another representative of the earlier time. A man 
who has added personal renown to ancestral honor — Judge Clinton. 
He is our universal educator. Not to speak of his eminent profes- 
sional career,' he has taught us the' sweet humanities and that 
unbought grace of life, which are the highest and purest social 
charm. 

nature's owjsr child, 

he has unfolded to us her mysteries as she has revealed them to 
him from tree, and shriib and flower, and her myriad schools of life; 



102 

for to him Nature unveils her face, and fills his ear with her music, 
and his soul with her all-pervading beauty. I never think of our ven- 
erable friend, and realize the part he is of all we most value among 
us, that I do not fervently utter the Horatian prayer for Augustus: 

Serus in coelum redeas, diuque 
Laetus intersis in populo Buffalonis. 

Let me ask here if it be not about time that Buffalo remembered 
her indebtedness to the father of our friend ? It was his sagacity and 
energy that transformed the frontier village into the city which 
now sits in conscious strength at the feet of these seas. I know 
Buffalo is De Witt Clinton's monument, but we owe it to ourselves 
to erect a commemorative work of art to the statesman who saw 
our possibilities and enabled us to realize them. 

I see here my brother Greene who, when I came to Buffalo, had 
been for two or three years at the Bar. He was my first friend on 
the most important occasion of my mature life. And when I re- 
member that he was then living in the melancholy condition of a 
bachelor, and now see around this table his sons who have already 
won distinction and honor in their father's profession, I realize that 
my own shadow lengthens and my day declines. 

THE HON. E. G. SPAULDIifG, ' 

who sits at your left, Mr. Chairman, comes under the head of my 
friend Eogers' toast. He read his profession with my father, and 
more than forty years ago brought here his learning and his energy 
to lay the basis and build the superstructure of his distinguished 
career. 

The '^ gray head" of Mr. T. J. Sizer reveals another of the early 
men, and recalls our obligation to him for his public and instruc- 
tive discussion of almost every subject of general local interest. 

Near Mr. Sizer I see a " Silver Gray" of the revolutionary epoch ; 
a man without whose life this occasion might never have been. He 
is the incarnation of that "Aurora" which has so long and so re- 
splendently shone upon our fair city. 

After making the fortune of many another man, he has in his 
last days set out to make the fortune of Buffalo. 

Who created our new park ? We shake our gory locks at Dennis 
Bowen, and say, "thou did'st it!" Who urged and supervised the 
construction of our new City and County Hall which has so opened 
the flood gates of Buffalo eloquence, and turned the whole city into 
daily and nightly pilgrimag6s to this new temple ? Who with his 
own hand let loose from their marble prison those four interesting 
females who stand perpetual sentinels at the clock tower, hence- 
forth, 1 suppose, the guardian divinities of the city? If any one 
man is either to be hung or canonized for all this, Dennis Bowen 
cannot hope to escape. 



103 

Mr. 0. H. Marshall, whose useful studies and trusts so constantly 
associate him with Buffalo institutions, is of the few remaining 
lawyei's of the earlier times. 

Judge Smith, whose successful professional career has had its 
natural and fitting close by his transfer to the Judiciary, and Judge 
Talcott with the same experience, and Mr. Ford, whom I do not 
see, and whose ill health I fear has deprived us all of a pleasure, 
and our brother Stevens who, I presume, is absent rebukirjg Noah 
for the introduction of slavery into the United States, almost, if 
not quite, complete the list. 

And here I am sure I may be pardoned a word of reference to 
one who was long a leader of the Bar, but whom considerations of 
health have transferred to another State. Henry W. Rogers is still 
too intimately connected with our institutions of art and charity, 
and still dwells in too many Buffalo hearts to be regarded as not of 
us. We rejoice that his closing years are happy, and that he has 
not forgotten his Buffalo love. 

You warned me, Mr. Chairman, off the ground of your decade. 
I see a goodly number of friends who are rapidly moving 

UP TO THE THREE SCORE LINE, 

men who are now doing the hard work of the profession and reaping 
its honors and rewards. And I see around me a little army of young 
men whose future is all before them, bright to their teeming fancies 
as a lover's dream. 

It would be easy to be sentimental here, but I obey your warning, 
and close by returning my thanks for the kindness which has per- 
mitted me to bid you — " Hail!" 



OLD BACHELOR LAWYERS. 

In calling upon the next speaker, the Chairman said that the 
true philosophy of language is to go from the gay to the solemn 
and severe. We have heard this evening, the good things that 
have dropped from the lips of the honorable judge, and now I want 
to call your attention to the doings of our brother Clark. I mean, 
Delavan F. Clark. He has taken a new departure, although late in 
life, but still it is better to do a good thing late than not at all. I 
think brother Clark gave his bachelor brother members a pretty 
sly slip when he left their ranks and joined ours. I believe that 
there is but one man left of his class, and he stands now, very much 
like a hard-hearted oak in the midst of a very large stock of maples. 
I wish to know from him, from my brother Cutting, what sort of 
an opinion he has of the practice of the law. And I would like to 



104 

know something about his affections. It seems to me, if he would 
explain himself, we might offer him some timely consolation. 

SPEECH OF HON. HARMON S. CUTTING. 

Mr. Cliairman and Gentlemen: Under the most favorable circum- 
stances it would be no easy task to vindicate, before an assemblage 
like this, the forlorn brotherhood of bachelors. As it is, the wine, 
for the moment, has vanished from before me; my glass is empty 
and my throat is as arid as are supposed to be the hearts of the fra- 
ternity which I am called on to represent. Doubly difficult, then, 
is the discharge of the duty which you, Mr. Chairman, have so un- 
feelingly imposed upon me. In the suddenness of the shock con- 
tained in your request, I can make but a lame attempt to defend 
what is generally regarded as so bad a cause. Indeed, I shall not 
essay it at all, but will seek to escape from a difficult position by 
alluding to the deserter whose name you have mentioned, and by 
calling to your contemplation that still marching procession, mar- 
shaled and commanded by this deserter who, up to the very moment 
of his treason, had seemed to be loyal to our cause. He is gone ! 
He has "squared" his accounts for the loss of a decade, and from 
the bud of unsophisticated celibacy has suddenly and unexpectedly 
blossomed into a full-flowered '" Benedick." 

You, the younger members of the Bar, may read in this startling 
occurrence such a lesson as the state of your affections shall happen 
to suggest. As for me, it has added to my importance by bringing 
me one step nearer to the honors of solitary survivorship ; one step 
nearer to being the officer, standard-bearer and all the rank and file 
of that great company who, one by one, have disappeared amidst 
showers of orange flowers and the flutter of white veils. I chal- 
lenge your congratulations or condolences, whichever you please, 
for having so stoutly maintained a position that has given me a sort 
of paramount right to address you on so momentous a topic. 

EXAMPLES TN MATEIMONIAL AFFAIRS 

are of small consequence. But however you might be affected by 
such things, I must disclaim all responsibility for any possible effect 
of my conduct as a precedent. Let me explain. 

A gentleman not remarkable for his uniform devotion to the 
principles of Father Mathew, was upbraided by a friend for his 
folly, and especially for setting so evil an example to the generation 
which was coming after him. He promptly repelled this imputation 
of evil and insisted that the value and propriety of his conduct was 
not understood. Said he : " I seek not to terach by so trite a thing 
as an example. You must not regard me in that light at all. I am 
a warning! I show what is to be avoided, not what is to be 
embraced." 

Young gentlemen, you see how unnecessary I am, whether for 
good or ill, as,an example, and particularly as an example of what 



105 

is to be embraced. If there is anything in this much maligned 
bachelorism to be shunned ; if half of a pair of scissors is better 
than a blade however well-tempered; if husbands only are for 
heaven, then regard me as a warning and not as an example — a warn- 
ing of what it might be well for you to avoid ; a startling image 
who with figuratively stretched forefinger points away from the 
solitary paths which he has trodden. 
But I give no cognovit. I make no confession 

TO THE YOUNGEE BACHELORS 

about me— I mean those not already mortgaged to some fair lady — 
their condition, I venture to say, is not wholly unbearable; and even 
Avhen older, it may not be one of unmitigated miseiy. What my 
own experience might show, I will not intimate. These wearers of 
swallow-tail coats and immaculate neck-ties are not those from 
among whom I shall select my confessor. When I think of this, 
I can't say that I am particularly proud of being a bachelor. Yet 
what can one do but make the best of it? In those comfortable 
old slippers, and with my cigar and book and cheerful fire, it is not 
so very bad after all. In my solitary apartment, I can pretend to 
be at iiome, and keep up the illusion of domesticity by the fre- 
quent contemplation of what a pater familias I might have been. 
And as for wooing; why, I can woo the Law. What an opportu- 
nity here for the gushing of romantic affection! What ringlets 
of parchment ; what wreaths of red tape ; what perfumes of an- 
tique mouldiness! But, seriously, though our noble profession may 
not present the attractions of a bevy of beauty, nor speak in the 
language of sentiment or song, it is worthy of our most earnest 
and unremitting devotion; and whether "Benedick" or bachelor, 
whether blessed or not blessed with a wife or a sweetheart, let us 
not fail in our affection for our mistress, the Law. • 



LETTER FROM JUDGE WALLACE. . 

The Chairman presented the following letter from Hon. Wm. J. 
Wallace, Judge of the U. S. Court, Northern District, N. Y.: 

Syracuse, March 13, 1876. 

Oentlemen ; I regret exceedingly tliat my engagements preclude my accept- 
ance of your kind invitation to be present at the dinner of the Erie County 
Bar. 

I hold it to be one of the paramount duties of every conscientious lawyer to 
partake of good dinners whenever he can. When dinners are given under the 
public auspices of the members of the Bar, the lawyer whose seat is vacant 
should be sent supperless to bed. These occasions, I have observed, are al- 
ways elevating in their tendencies, and certainly, esthetically considered, im- 
prove and educate the taste. 

It is a matter for congratulation that these social reunions are becoming 
more frequent. They cement good-fellowship, soften the asperities of profes- 
sional intercourse, and promote that esprit du corps which is one of the 
charms and at the same time one of the inspirations of the legal profession. 



106 

The pleasure I have derived from my official intercourse with the members 
of the Bar of Erie County enhances my disappointment at being unable to meet 
them socially to-morrow evening. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. J. Wallace. 

Mr. J. D. Husbands, of the Eochester Bar, was requested to speak 
to the letter of Judge Wallace. He said : 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen : I came here to the Erie County 
Bar twenty years ago, sick, as the result of that affliction of the 
race, chronic rheumatism, but your winters sent me back to my old 
city — a city that I love on many accounts. I remember your vernal 
sweetness and your summer pleasures. Buffalo has but two seasons 
— summer and winter, and to come here is to go where you cannot 
have four seasons in the year. 

I remember, sir, all those old members of the Bar, already referred 
to. The Buffalo Bar has been extremely fortunate in its 

GREAT ANCESTORS. 

Let me say to you that you must not rely upon your ancestors, for 
every young man must rely upon himself. Having practiced for 
some sixteen or eighteen years in this city, I can say with truth 
and equal pleasure, that I never saw a Bar that showed a greater 
measure of talent, or more dignity and respect for human rights, 
than I have seen here. 

Gentlemen, we started sometime ago what we called Bar Parties; 
we thought them a signal success, and an old friend of mine, a 
member of the profession, was about to die but he knew it not, he 
wanted me by his side, and he said to me the last Sunday of his 
life : I have been thinking a good deal of the want of social life in 
the profession. We do not visit the families of our brethren of 
the Bar as we ought to do ; he said : As soon as I get well I will go 
and see the families of the members of the Bar. I wanted to say 
to you, gentlemen, in the commencement of my remarks to the 
members of the Bar, I wanted to address you as ladies and gentle- 
men, because the presence of ladies is really here to-night; you 
cannot have such a meeting without seeing the influence of wife, 
of mother, of sister and of sweetheart. 

Let this not be the last of your social meetings when you shall 
get into the new Court House. Go there with a new and nobler 
purpose, if you can; go there for a nobler future. Do not think 
that you have nothing to do for the better, but honor the profession 
that has been honored before you. 

I remember that when in Massachusetts, a lawyer put his name 
in my hat for the purpose of taking it off; there is no such thing in 
the Buffalo Bar, or in the Erie County Bar, and there is not in the 
Eochester Bar either. In our city and its surrounding country we 
sometimes meet with the Buffalo Bar, and we are glad to meet with 
them, and to see the honest rivalry that exists between the two 



107 

cities. Let there be no hostility between them. Let there be noth- 
ing but generous rivah*y of honest hearts, worthily cultivating a 
purer and a nobler future. 

LETTER FROM JUDGE NOAH DAVIS. 

The Chairman then announced that he had a letter from Hon. 

Noah Davis, of the city of New York, formerly a member of this 

Bar, and who all the older members of the profession and of his 

age, remember with respect and kindness. Mr. Sprague then read 

the letter as follows: 

New York, March 13, 1876. 
Hon. B. C. Sprague, Asher P. Nichols and others, Committee: 

Gentlemen: I have just received your kind note of invitation to attend a 
dinner to be given by the Bar of Erie County, at Buffalo, on the 14th instant. 
I regret that my engagements at the General Term, now sitting, prevent my 
attendance. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be present on 
that occasion, to meet once more a body of gentlemen with whom I have in 
the past enjoyed for many years the most friendly professional and official 
relations. A long separation has in no degree impaired my respect for the 
Bar of Erie County. I recognize in that Bar maay of the ablest and worthiest 
lawyers of the State. 

After a somewhat larger and different experience in professional and judi- 
cial life, I recur with greater pleasure than ever to my long service on the 
bench of the Eighth District, and especially in the courts of Erie county, 
where the larger share of that service was rendered; and I speak in no dis- 
paragement of any other Bar when 1 say that in ability, courtesy, and in all 
kindly personal and social relations, I have found no Bar superior to yours. 

I should be glad to greet in person every member of it, but as I cannot do 
that, I beg you will convey to them the feelings of warm regard which I shall 
never cease to bear. I am, very respectfully, 

Noah Davis. 

Mr. Sprague said that all wanted to hear one of the oldest members 
of the profession in response to this letter, and no gentleman is 
better able to do justice to the occasion than my worthy friend, 
Hon. E. P. Marvin, of Chautauqua county. 

ADDRESS OF JUDGE MARVIN. 

Mr. Chairman : Though not a member of the Erie County Bar, 
I am a member of the profession. I claim to be a brother of the 
members of the Bar of Erie County; they are my brothers and I 
claim a recognition from them as they are brothers. I am here 
upon invitation as your honored guest, and my first acknowledg- 
ment should be to the chairman of the committee, and to the mem- 
bers of the Erie County Bar for the compliment and honor be- 
stowed upon me, in inviting me to be here this evening, as a guest. 
I thought at one time of putting pen to paper and excusing myself. 
But I said, no, I desire to go and meet the Bar of Erie County per- 
sonally, and to recognize among them the familiar faces which I 
have known for so many years. 



108 

Brethren, fellow-laborers and soldiers in a good cause, I shall in 
the few moments allowed me by your Chairman, endeavor to impress 
upon the younger members of the Bar two or three ideas. If I can 
daguerreotype them upon your own minds as they have presented 
themselves to me a thousand times I shall have 

ACCOMPLISHED MY PURPOSE. 

Gentlemen, mention has been made of the older members of the 
Bar; I am now among the oldest; I think I rank my friend Bab- 
cock, I know I do in age; I think we came into the profession at 
the same hour, having been admitted in the same class; I say al- 
lusion has been made to the past, and sometimes apprehension has 
been expressed, whether the coming generation and other genera- 
tions to come, whether they will fulfill their duties as the gentle- 
men who have gone before have fulfilled theirs; upon that subject 
I have no desire to speak. I shall dismiss that subject without a 
single fear. The generation that has gone before us has fulfilled its 
destiny. They have run their career and performed their duties 
and offices well. Let me say of them, that their career and their 
style of doing business was quite different from that which now 
exists. Well do I remember when I first entered theprofession and 
before that, of listening to the great men, whose names we have 
heard to-night, and others that I remember, but their style was dif- 
ferent from what it is now. I have often been asked the question 
from the gentlemen of the present day, whether they were equal 
in talent and equal in ability to those of the past forty or fifty 
years; and have invariably answered, yes, but the style of doing 
business has changed, and the men who made great reputations 
then as advocates would hardly be able to make a living now in this 
age of lightning and railroads. These men required not an hour 
only to sum up a case, but it took them a half an hour to pronounce 
their exordium, and then they went into their narration ; then, stating 
the case briefly, they went into their argument, and then the pero- 
ration must be well considered. Not so now. I believe that if 
some of our ancestors, whose reputations were as wide as the State, 
were to return to the city of Buffalo, they could not get a living in 
the profession. It took time for them to get started, and to make a 
great speech they wanted from three to five hours. You sum up a 
case in an hour. In that case that was tried out here in Genesee, 
the Grays, that was in my time, John Griffin, made a speech of five 
hours on Saturday, and run down within five minutes of Sunday 
morning, and then the judge stopped him and said: " I regret that 
this speech is not ended, but this case must go to the jury before 
Sunday, and I regret that I have 

NOT TIME TO CHARGE THE JURY." 

And John Griffin got up, and said, "I greatly regret that I have not 
a couple of hours more in which to finish my speech." Upon this 
episode the case went to the Court of Appeals. 



109 

I have said enough on that subject ; I want to say a word in re- 
gard to the changes. Has it been better ? Has it been a desirable 
change? I answer, yes, it has been a valuable change. You now 
come at once to the point that is to be decided by the jury. You 
come directly to it, and you discuss the evidence and the judge sits 
and listens, and the lawyers are not allowed to take as wide a range 
as anywhere between the heavens and the earth. You come at 
once to the matter in the case. This is an age of business. We 
have not time to throw away that may be used trying causes. Has 
the change been beneficial? I say, yes. I have been asked a hun- 
dred times in my own courts whether the cases are as well tried 
now as when the old lawyers used to try them. I say that they are. 
I will not say why. You will discover the reason why the cases are 
better tried now than they were then. We come right to the point 
and the judge comes to the question, and the jury renders a prompt 
verdict. 

Gentlemen, I am nearly through; I want to present another idea: 
your calling and your profession is the most exalted one that you 
can have in this land, except perhaps that of the ministry, which 
teaches us the way of salvation. There is no class of men that are 
more honorable and honest than the legal profession. You should 
strive to maintain this reputation, and to exalt yourselves in 
your high profession to which your duties call you. Among your 
duties is that of educating the courts. It is that of educating the 
judges. It is the duty of the Bar to educate the judges. You all 
know what I mean. It is your duty, you are called upon to ad- 
dress the judge, to inform him, and he in return informs the Bar, 
and it is in this respect that the reciprocal relations go on. Gen- 
tlemen, you are called upon to take an interest in all the affairs 
of society; everything comes under the observation, to a cer- 
tain extent, of the legal profession. You are called upon to per- 
form these high duties; you cannot do it with intelligence, without 
humility. Your profession is one of great labor. 

THE LAW IS A science; 

it must be wooed and won; the law will not come and surrender 
itself and place itself in the possession of any man unless he wishes 
it, unless he is to maintain the structure and promises his proper 
vigils, in order to invite the law, that the law may come and take 
up its abode with him. You must make it worthy of your cease- 
less industry, for unless you do the law will play you some slippery 
tricks and leave you floundering. 

Gentlemen of the Bar of Erie County, I have occupied just 
double the time that I intended. I thank you for the invitation 
that has been extended to me and the pleasure which I have enjoyed 
in meeting you all. 



110 



FROM MR. BASS. 

The next in order was a telegram from Hon. Lyman K. Bass, 
Member of Congress from Erie county, which the chairman read as 

follows : 

. Washington, March 14. 

E. C. Sprague, and others of the Committee : 

I send my hearty congratulations to my brethren of the Bar that a new 
Court House is an accomplished fact, and that the inhalation of the poisoned 
air of the old ones is of the past. I regret that I cannot be with you this 
evening. 

Lyman K, Bass. 

Mr. Sprague deemed it fitting to call upon District Attorney D. 
N. Lockwood, Esq., to respond to this message, and Mr. Lockwood 
did so as follows : 



ADDRESS OF D. N. LOCKWOOD, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Bar of Erie County : I 
rise with no little embarrassment to respond to tbe toast proposed 
by our distinguished chairman. I suppose that I am called upon to 
reply to the toast of Hon. Lyman K. Bass, mainly for the reason 
that I hold the office of district attorney, so long and ably filled by 
him ; and, Mr. Chairman, I know that 1 am but expressing the wish 
of every gentleman present, when 1 say, long life and continued 
prosperity and honor to Mr. Bass. 

Mr. Chairman, every snbject and thought connected with the 
change from the old Court House to the new City and County Hall, 
has already received its full share of praise and eloquence from the 
honorable gentlemen who have preceded me. It is but little more 
than ten years since I commenced the study of the law. My expe- 
rience, if related, would be but the same old story — much work and 
little pay. I remember how greatly annoyed I used to be by the 
remark so often made, how much better off the world would be 
if there were no lawyers, and 1 have thought to-night how quickly 
those same persons would change their minds if they could witness 
this banquet, see all these happy faces, and know, as we know, that 
a true lawyer ever stands as an impassable barrier between right and 
wrong, ever the defender and protector of the innocent, and the pros- 
ecutor and irreproachable judge of the guilty. 

Yes, gentlemen, one of the world's most distinguished historians 
has written that the reason Rome was great was because her law- 
givers were great men, and what more fitting answer, when the 
people from every quarter of the earth, shall come, as they will in 
this our Centennial year, to our favored land, and shall ask, as they 
behold our national greatness and prosperity, what is the cause that 
has made this young nation so great and powerful, and why does it 
have so vast an influence among the older nations of the earth 



Ill 

— the answer will be, her lawyers have been and are great men, men 
who have guarded and defended liberty, and the nation's honor 
as sacredly as the honor of their own firesides. 

And in conclusion, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I feel that, as 
one of the younger members of the Bar of this county, I am war- 
ranted in saying for them, that they have pledged themselves anew 
to maintain the high standing, the honor and dignity, which has 
ever been maintained by you and your predecessors, and that they 
will ever maintain and defend the sacred principles of liberty and 
justice, which have made this nation a land where manhood reigns 
alone and every citizen is king. 

ANOTHER TELEGRAM. 

The next message by telegraph was from Hon. Henry W. Eogers, 
of Ann Arbor, Michigan, formerly of Buffalo, and ran thus: 

Ann Arbor, Mich., March 13. 
E. C. Spragtje : 

I regret that I cannot go to the supper, but my heart and thoughts will be 
there, reverently recalling the memory of the dead who have graced a Bar 
■which for forty years has had few equals and no superior in any city of the 
State. Henry W. Rogers. 

Hon. Geo. R. Babcock was requested to make response, and, spoke 
for the older members of the profession, giving many reminiscences, 
and reciting several anecdotes of the early practice of law in Buffalo. 

FROM JUDGE BARKER. 

Hon. Geo. Barker, Judge of the Supreme Court, sent this dis- 
patch: 

Batavia, N. Y., March. 14. 
To E. C. Spragtje, Chairman, etc.. Tifft House : 

Until this moment I intended to be pre.sent and participate in the pleasurea 
and festivities that the banquet offers. The train that I was to take is re- 
ported late, so I must be content with presenting my respects to the Buffalo 
Bar, distinguished for its learning, eloquence and integrity. 

George Barker. 

The Chairman said there was a desire to hear frora some of the 
younger members of the profession. He therefore, called upon Mr. 
T. F. Welch, President of the Buffalo Law Society, to respond on 
behalf of the Association he represented. Mr. Welch did so in a 
very amusing and felicitous manner as will be seen: 

SPEECH OF T. F. WELCH. 

Mr. Chairman and Brethren of the Bar: The Buffalo Law Soci- 
ety is so well known to you all, its fame is so wide-spread, that I 



112 

need take but little time in speaking of it. Organized nine years 
ago. immediately after the delivery of a law lecture to young men, 
by His Honor, Judge Clinton, it has continued in vigorous and 
flourishing life to the present, and though it may not have as great 
an antiquity as that already historic old hat of the judge's, yet it is 
now looked upon as, what we would all like that hat and its wearer 
to be, one of the permanent institutions of our city. 

It has well accomplished the object set forth in its constitution, 
the promotion of mutual acquaintance among its members and their 
mutual improvement in legal debate and literary discussion, and it 
has been to younger members of the Bar and law students in many 
respects, what the proposed Bar Association will be to the profession 
at large. 

The law student, Mr. Chairman, must needs be 

FULL OP NOBLE AMBITION, 

when, regardless of the many difficulties before him, he places him- 
self among those who are 

" Mastering the codeless science of our law, 
That endless myriad of precedent, 
That wilderness of single instances, 
Through which a few by wit or fortune led, 
May beat a pathway out to wealth and fame." 

But every one is confident that he will be among that successful 
few. Immediately on entering an office, however, he finds diffi- 
culty. Expecting to give himself up chiefly to the study of the 
books, the theory of" the law, he is astonished to find that he is re- 
quired to devote himself mainly to the practice of penmanship, and 
the manufacture of copies. Thinking he will receive instruction, 
and have difficulties carefully explained to him, he is simply told 
to keep his eyes open and he will soon learn. He does soon learn 
one thing, that he must always know what to do and how to do it, 
without asking any questions. He learns, too, just how little benefit 
is derived from making thirteen copies of a complaint, or spending 
three whole days in copying some long account which is as closely 
connected with the science of the law as Egyptian hieroglyphics. 
To such as he the Bufl'alo Law Society ofiers great advantages. 

In the free intercourse and discussion with his fellow-students 
which he there obtains, his doubts are removed, his difficulties ex- 
plained. He gains self-confidence, has an opportunity to use his 
powers, a chance to expand. Indeed, he sometimes expands so fast 
that he soon knows more law than old lawyers of long standing at 
the Bar. 

The Buffalo Law Society, Mr. Chairman, 

HAS MUCH TO BE PEOUD OF 

in its history. The old Law Library, Avhere its meetings have been 
held has often been the scene of impassioned and eloquent debate, 



113 

of close and powerful argument. Though the words of "learned 
length and thundering sound" with which its walls have often re- 
sounded, may sometimes have been striking only for the length or 
the sound, yet there have been displayed there by its members 
such powers of reasoning, such command of logic and analysis, such 
mastery of wit and humor, as would have reflected honor upon 
their possessors in any higher field of action. There, too. have been 
shown, not only such ability, but such constant courtesy and high 
sense of honor, as to warrant the conclusion that its members will 
always be honored and respected members of this Bar. 

But, Mr. Chairman, the Buffalo Law Society has already pro- 
duced results which show that it is a power in the land. Not only 
has it definitely and authoritatively settled many questions of im- 
portance in politics and literature, but the decisions of its Moot 
Court have fixed the law in many points before unsettled, and they 
have been followed in many cases by the higher courts in this and 
other States. 

"To prove this let facts be submitted to a^candid world." 
The case of Judd v. Seekins, involving an important question in 
real estate law, tried at the Cattaraugus Circuit, was, pending its 
appeal, submitted to the 

MOOT COUET OP BUFFALO, 

and promptly reversed. The General Term soon after acquiesced 
in this decision. 

On the authority of its decision in the great case of Morton v. 
James, the Court of Appeals soon after decided that a complete note 
altered by filling up blanks left by the maker, was not valid in the 
hands of a bona fide holder. 

So the Supreme Court of Massachusetts followed its decision in 
another case soon after its rendition. As its latest achievement it 
has recently reversed a decision of the General Term of the Su- 
perior Court of Buffalo, and held that sleeping car companies are 
subject to the liabilities of innkeepers. The decision of the Coiurb 
of Appeals in the same case, which is soon to be delivered, will 
follow this, and be but a matter of form. These facts, Mr. Chair- 
man, are full of import. 

They as conclusively establish the great authority of the Moot 
Court of Buffalo, as the strange words "chops and tomato sauce," 
under the skillful handling of our brother. Sergeant Buzfuz, es- 
tablished the villainy of Mr. Pickwick. 

I might show that you, Mr. Chairman, and many of the gray- 
heads here present, are honored honorary members of the Buffalo 
Law Society, and how most of the younger lawyers of this Bar owe 
all their success to the training they received in this Society, but I 
will not trespass further upon your time. 



114 



LETTER FROM JUDGE DANIELS. 

Hon. Charles Daniels, Judge of the Supreme Court, sent this 

letter to the Committee : 

New Tokk, March 13. 

Messrs. E. C. Sprague, Josiah Cook, Asher P. Nichols, Benj. H. Williams 

and Wm. H. Gurney : 

Gents: I have just received your invitation to the dinner to be given to- 
morrow evening at the Tifft House by the Bar of Erie County. I can give 
you no adequate idea of the pleasure it would afford me to be able to comply 
■with this kind invitation. The most agreeable memories I cherish relate to 
my associations with the members of the Erie County Bar. They are em- 
phatically the associations of a life-time, rendering the place of my home the 
most hallowed of all localities, and to whicli I always return, when liberated 
from the constraints of enforced absence, with the greatest possible pleasure. 
The Bar of Erie County is second to none other in the State. I do not doubt 
but the approaching entertainment will prove to be highly agreeable, and 
pleasantly remembered by those wliose good fortune may allow them to par- 
ticipate in it. I am, howeyer, so situated that it will be impossible for me to 
make one of the number. The business of the court now in session in this 
city, of which I am a member, excludes me from participation in your festivi- 
ties. I regret my inability to be present, but can do nothing less than to sub- 
mit to its necessities. Truly yours, 

Chas. Daniels. 

John Hubbell, Esq., was asked to reply, and did so in a few brief 
remarks, excusing himself from making a speech, and congratulated 
himself on his return to the fold of the BufEalo Bar after an ab- 
sence of Years. 



LETTER FROM LIEUT.-GOV. DORSHEIMER. 

Albany, March 13, 1876. 
Gentlemen : Your invitation to attend the dinner of the Erie County Bar 
did not reach me until this morning, too late to dispose of my engagements 
here. 

All of us have tender associations with the old Court House, and no one 
will see it taken away without regret. I never attended a meeting of the Bar 
except on the occasion of the death of some honored brother. It would give 
me great pleasure to join in your farewell to the scene of so many struggles, 
and to listen to the reminiscences, both pleasant and sad, which the occasion 
will elicit. 

I beg you will receive my sincere regrets that I cannot accept your courte- 
ous invitation, and believe me 

Very truly your servant, 

William Dorsheimer. 

To E. C. Sprague, Esq., Hon. A. P. Nichols, Josiah Cook, and others. 

The Chairman said that Mr. Dorsheimer had forsaken the law for 
political honors. He preferred to stick to the practice of the law. 

The Chairman thought Mr. L. L. Lewis well qualified to discuss 
this question, and called upon him to do so. 



115 



ADDRESS OF MR. LEWIS. 



Mr. Chairman and felloio Laioyers : Our Chairman seems to 
think my experience in public life and at the Bar entitles me to be 
heard as to the propriety of forsaking the law for political life. He 
says he always thought it best to stick to the law. He can't get up 
any controversy with me on that point. If you have acquired in 
the practice of the law, even a fair reputation for honesty, and have 
any desire to maintain it, keep at your profession, and let politics 
alone, so far as office-holding is concerned. For no matter how 
honestly you may perform the duties of the office, you will stand nine 
chances in ten of leaving the office, if it chance to be of a political 
character, with the reputation of a rogue, and while I think every 
American citizen ought to take an interest in politics, let some other 
man hold the office. 

But enough on this point. I want to talk about lawyers, and as 
we grow old we ought to be pardoned for talking about our early 
experience and observation. I was admitted and came on here in 
1848, with an idea of making my home somewhere in the West; 
but a view up this long lake chilled my ardor, and I stopped here, 
and went into the otKce of my brother, Dio Lewis. I did not 
know anything about law, nor much about anything else, for that 
matter, but after revolving this subject in my mind, concluded I 
must have a sign painted, and ordered it. When it was finished I 
attended to the putting of it up ; it read, "L. L. Leivis, Law Office.^' 
I took a good look at it after it was hung, and then went into my 
office, taking an eligible position so that I could see the door, and 
waited for business, and I don't think it was to exceed one half-hour 
before the door opened, a young man walked in and inquired if 
Lawyer Lewis was in. I replied, "That is my name." He was 
from Canada, and said his father, a resident of this State, had died, 
leaving some property here, and he wished to know his rights as 
one of his heirs. I thought it necessary that I should answer at 
once, if not he might get the impression I was not positive, so I 
opened my mouth and talked ; he listened, or appeared to, for a 
time, and then looked at me, and asked me, in apparently a confused 
state of mind, what my charges were. 

I PEOMPTLT REPLIED, "ONE DOLLAR," 

which he paid. With all the composure I could master, I placed 
the dollar in my wallet, and, after he retired, I turned my eyes again 
to the office door, wondering who my next customer might be. I 
never exactly agreed with my brother, for he insisted that it was 
precisely six months before another client came in. It was, however, 
a long time. 

The following summer we were visited here with the cholera, and I 
divided my time between sitting at my office window watching the 
funeral processions, and in the old Court House, witnessing the 



116 

struggles of the giants of the Bar. The lawyer whose style and 
manner of trying causes filled my heart and soul completely full, 
my beau ideal of a successful jury lawyer, was Solomon G. HaA-en. 

He was unpretending and simple in his manners. In addressing 
a jury he did not talk over, but between and into their heads; there 
was an apparent familiarity with the jury, talking to one and then 
another, till he had convinced them all. His illustrations always 
came from, the farm, the Avorkshop, or their homes, scarcely ever 
from objects higher than their heads. He convinced the jury that 
he was in earnest, and believed thoroughly in his client's cause. 

He never appeared to make an attempt at oratory, and still he 
possessed the elements of the true orator, for he swayed and in- 
fluenced those he addressed, and that, I take it, is the true test of 
oratory. 

There was another man who tried many causes, perhaps more 
even than Mr. Haven ; he was in his demeanor a perfect specimen 
of a gentleman ; he was one of the handsomest men I ever saw, and 
wonderfully gifted as an orator. I refer to Eli Cook; he was one of 
the great powers in this county. 

There was Henry K. Smith ; he did not meet with the success of 
these other men, and still he was a wonderful man. He was one of 
those terrible men, who did not stop to convince his hearers. He 
stormed them ; 

HE RUSHED LIKE AN" AVALANCHE, 

and it was hard to withstand his attacks. There was T. T. Sher- 
wood; he was trying a large number of cases; I never could under- 
stand him. His manners were strange, just the opposite of Haven 
and Cook; he seemed to be in a chronic state of madness, in a con- 
stant wrangle with the court, and not on good terms with the jury. 
He would not make one objection, but fifty, and wanted to discuss 
them one by one, and he acted just as though he believed each ob- 
jection was fatal to his adversary's case. He was a corpulent gentle- 
man, with a very red face, and, if I may be allowed the expression, 
he went lummoxing along in the trial of his cases. There were many 
other men of mark and power practicing here at that time, of whom 
I cannot detain you to speak. Well, I watched and wondered at 
the power of these men, and wondered if I could ever attain such 
a position. 

Gentlemen of the Bar, I am glad to be here with you to-night, 
and hope that this pleasant meeting will prove the beginning of 
many such gatherings, that we may know each other more inti- 
mately in social, friendly intercourse. Our profession is an important 
and influential one, and it behooves us to hold high its standard of 
morals and influence. 

I have some little acquaintance with the Bar of other cities, and 
I think I can truthfully say that I know of none so distinguished 
for friendly and good feeling as ours. Let us all strive to improve 



117 



this good fellowship and feeling, and may we all live here many 
years in the practice of our profession. 



FROM HON. A. P. LANING. \ 

Buffalo, March 14, 1876. 
Gentlemen : I am in receipt of your invitation to attend a meeting of the 
Bar of Erie County this evening at tlie TifEt House. Nothing would afford me 
greater pleasure than to comply with your request and participate with you 
in the festivities of the occasion, but a pressing prior engagement will prevent 
my acceptance of your invitation. 

Be pleased to present my sincere regrets at my inability to meet my profes- 
sional brethren. I cordially approve the objects of your meeting, and trust 
that it may tend to greater fraternal intercourse, and result in the formation 
of an Association of the Bar of this city, which shall add to its proper influ- 
ence in the State, and promote the interests of our profession. 

Sincerely yours, 

A. P. Laning. 
E. C. Spragtje, Esq., and others of the Committee. 

Gen. L. W. Thayer, of Warsaw, Wyoming county, was called 
upon to speak as hailing from a section of the country near where 
Mr. Laning came from. The General complied and spoke as 
follows : 

ADDRESS OF GEN. L. W. THAYER. 

Mi: Chairman and Gentleme?i of the Bar of Erie County : Al- 
though highly appreciating your invitation to join you upon this 
festive occasion, I was at a loss to imagine any cause to which I 
could attribute it. I had never been a member of your Bar, or 
held any judicial position that could in any way entitle me to any 
such distinction. In this dilemma it occurred to me as barely pos- 
sible that in view of the fact that my name had been mentioned in 
connection with a judicial position in which you were interested, 
that with your usual foresight and precaution, you thought prudent 
at least, in view of my possible appointment, in that way to remind 
me of your friendship and confidence. If so, I beg to assure you 
there is not the slightest danger of your being placed in any posi- 
tion where my official action can be of the least importance. Besides 
I am already under too many obligations to the Bar of Buffalo, which 
I can never discharge, to require any further manifestations of your 
friendship and confidence. 

I remember, and shall never forget, that nearly twenty years ago 
when a candidate for a high judicial office, of receiving in this 
county the enormous majority of six thousand votes over an oppo- 
nent who afterwards became 

ONE OF THE MOST EMINENT JUEISTS 

in the State. I attributed that gratifying result in no small degree 
to the influence of the Bar of this city. Four years ago, upon the 



118 

recommendation of two distinguished members of your Bar (one, 
alas, now no more) and the eminent jurist alluded to, and wholly 
unbeknown to me, my name was sent to the Senate, to fill a vacancy 
in the highest court of the State. But what I chiefly wish to refer 
to is the active efforts that were made by both the Bar and press of 
both parties to procure my confirmation, being a Democrat, by a 
Senate largely Republican. To those efforts on the part of Repub- 
lican judges and lawyers as well as the Repu-blican press of this 
city, my worthy friend, Mr. Lewis, then Senator, and to whom I 
am deeply indebted for his own efforts, can fully testify. 

Your friendship and confidence has again and but recently been 
equally manifested in relation to the judicial vacancy now existing 
in the district, and with the same disregard of party. Indeed, I 
am inclined to think that the large support I have received from 
my Republican friends, not only in this city, but throughout the 
district, may be one cause of my unpopularity in another quarter, 
but I assure you that I value it none the less on that account. 

Now, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I have availed myself of this 
occasion, and probably the only one I may ever have, to refer to 
these many evidences I have received of the friendship of your Bar, 
in order to assure you how fully I appreciate them, and to say from 
the depths of my heart how sincerely I thank you. 

Mr. Chairman : Having lived all my life in an adjoining county 
I have not been an indifferent observer, either of the rise and emi- 
nence of the Bar, or the growth and prosperity of your beautiful 
city. I have watched the advancement of both nearly half a cen- 
tury with the deepest interest. But I am compelled to admit that 
there is one event, and but one, in your history that I have never 
enjoyed. Although 

IT OCCURKBD OVER FIFTY YEARS AGO, 

its history has been told and repeated with short intervals ever 
since. It has been celebrated in prose and immortalized in poetry. 
The more I have read, even the poetry, as beautiful as it is, the less 
I have enjoyed it. And yet I can hardly tell why, unless it be in the 
name. Whether I was in any way interested in that event, I have 
never deemed it profitable to inquire. Indeed, in view of that 
event, I have adopted the advice of the poet Saxe, and have never 
sought to trace my family line for fear it might 

" End in a loop of stronger twine. 
To plague some worthy relation. " 

I have contented myself by denying any relation to any of the name 
in this county, and consoled myself with the reflection that if three 
of the same name were hung, that three of the same name came 
over (as is always the case) in the Mayflower, or some other vessel. 
I need hardly say I allude to that great and memorable event in 
your history, the conviction and 



119 



EXECUTION OF THE " THEEE THATEES. 

Now, I have never wondered that your city should cherish that 
great event as an epoch in its history. When it occurred you were 
a mere village without a history, and an event of that importance 
could not be forgotten. But now as it seems to me, having become 
a great and prosperous city, with a history made up of events of 
far more value, and to mc at least far more interesting, I should not 
wonder if you would continue to prosper and advance, even if you 
should let the " Three Thayers" sleep quietly in their graves for, 
say, the next half century. 

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I desire to express 
my fullest concurrence in the high encomiums that have been pro- 
nounced to-night upon those distinguished members of the profes- 
sion of this county, who have done so much by their learning, 
integrity, ability and liberality to give to your Bar the high and 
enviable position it has attained. I knew nearly all of those dis- 
tinguished gentlemen personally as well as professionally, and tes- 
tify from my own knowledge of them. 

To the younger members of this Bar I wish to say that upon 
you will soon devolve the honor and responsibility of maintaining 
that high reputation of your Bar which will be intrusted to your 
keeping. That you can and will do it, I have seen ample proofs 
here to-night. You can hardly hope to raise it higher. If you 
transmit it unimpaired to your successors in the profession, it ought 
to satisfy your most laudable ambition, and with that result you 
may well be satisfied. 



LA W STUDENTS. 

The chairman said he was glad to recognize several law students 
present, young men that were preparing to enter the profession 
that had been so highly eulogized this evening. He called upon 
Mr. James Fraser Gluck, to speak in behalf of the students of the 
Bar of Buffalo. Mr. Gluck responded and said: 

SPEECH OF J. F. GLUCK. 

Mr, President and Gentlemsn of the Bar of Erie County : In 
rising I thank you most sincerely for the honor you have conferred, 
not upon me, but upon the law students of this city by this public 
recognition of them, on thiSj the first social gathering of the Bar 
of Erie County. 

The world has indeed moved forward since the time when many 
of those here present were treated, by those in whose offices they 
studied, as copying hacks and message boys. It moves further for- 



120 

ward to-day when this public recognition is taken of law students 
in your presence, and the presence of their honors, the judges of 
this State and county. 

But, sir, I hail this, not as an innovation in that most conservatiye 
of professions, the law, but rather as a return to its best usages, in 
its palmiest days, in that nation, distinguished above all others for 
legal learning and acumen. For, daily, in the streets of Eome, the 
Imperial City, the great jures-consult might be seen accompanied 
by their students—by them considered their rarest ornament — en- 
gaged in the intervals between cases, in answering their questions 
and in imparting to them that knowledge of legal principles which 
books alone could never, can never give. 

And, to-night, sir, I forget not the kindnesses which personally 
it has been my good fortune to experience, when I venture to ex- 
press the hope that this public recognition is but an earnest of what 
will in the future be done elsewhere. I would not insult you, sir, 
nor the learned and dignified assembly here present, by filling up 
the short time I wish to speak, with glittering generalities or empty 
platitudes. I have no such desire. I have a purpose in speaking. 
I have a plea to make, and I stand here to-night and plead, as a 
student lor students, not for better pay, not for more books, not for 
ampler digests, but for that personal fellowship on the part of mem- 
bers of the Bar, that kindly interest, that willingness to commu- 
nicate to students that knowledge which reading alone does not 
afford, which experience alone has given to you all. 

No lawyer here present would be willing to admit that he would 
receive into his office those he deemed unworthy of the profession; 
knowing them worthy, it is in his power to render them, it is his 
duty to endeavor to make them ornaments to the profession. It is 
a mere truism, though seldom fully realized, that the profession is 
just what its members choose to make it; as they honor the bench, 
the world will honor it; as they respect themselves, the world will 
respect them. And the lawyer who honors the bench and respects 
himself does well ; but he, better, who, while carrying with honor 
the torch of justice, as he runs his own brief race, looks well to it, 
that he to whom he knows that torch must be handed when he is 
gone, is not unworthy of that noble task. Surely, if it be man's 
primal duty to endeavor to leave the world better than he found it, 
he does much to elevate his profession, and through it, the world, 
who, by generous sympathy, does all he can to stimulate and en- 
courage those who will one day constitute that profession. 

But the first advance should come from the superior. There is 
thereby no loss of dignity. He indeed honors himself more than 
him whom he serves, who descends from his own clear and sunny 
perceptions of the law to the student, lost in the fog-land of text- 
books and the confusion worse confounded of our early law. 

But enough of this. Let me speak on a more pleasant theme. 
Let me assure you, sir, that this kindness in inviting us and ac- 
cording us recognition to-niffht as students will not be without its 



121 

effect upon us. To-night we have had recalled to our minds by the 
venerable men who have spoken, those who are our ancestors — the 
great and good men of the past ; our ancestors, I say, for there is a 
lineage of mind that is truer than that of blood; we have listened 
to the record of their noble deeds, we are roused to emulate the 
glory of their characters ; and we dedicate here to-night, our energy, 
our enthusiasm, our loftiest ambition to the upbuilding of a noble 
profession, a purer and grander republic. 

The ancient Lombard kings, as they placed upon their heads the 
iron crown of their kingdom, were wont to say, " God has given it 
me ; let him beware who would take it from me." And so each of 
us to-night, resisting the insane thirst for wealth, and the insidious 
whisperings of a corrupt and time-serving ambition, place upon 
our heads the ideal crown of a pure professional life; and exclaim 
like the kings of old, " God has given it me ; not all the world shall 
take it from me!" 

In response to repeated calls, Mr. Geo. Wadsworth said : 



ADDRESS OF GEO. WADSWORTH, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Brethren : i think that the orange has been 
squeezed, and the juice and pulp distributed, and that calling me 
up, at two o'clock in the morning for a speech, is like asking me to 
make some delectable beverage from the rejected and despised rind 
of the fruit. 

The praises of our new Court House have been sung here this 
evening, but little or nothing has been said about the old one; this 
is natural, the dead are soon forgotten, we smooth down their rest- 
ing places, and go our way, and they soon pass from our memories, 
and so it seems as if 

OUR VENERABLE OLD COURT HOUSE 

were forgotten already; we have been to its funeral; allow me to 
say a few words about it. 

When I came to Buffalo, in 1852, the old Court House was stand- 
ing in almost precisely the same condition it is now, the so-called 
new Court House, on the corner of Clinton and Ellicott streets was 
nearly new in fact, as well as in name. 

Small, narrow, contracted and insufficient for the business of to- 
day as the old Court House is, and especially as it seems to us when 
contrasted with the superb Hall, into which we have removed, yet 
when erected, it was more than sufficient for its designed purposes. 

I am told by James D. Sheppard, Esq., the pioneer in the pro- 
fession and business of music here, that in the year 1827, he could 
not find a suitable place in the village of Buffalo in which to open 
his music store, and that John G. Camp, then sheritf of Erie county, 
leased to him the north-east corner room on the ground floor of the 
old Court House for that purpose, and that he carried on his busi- 
9 



122 

ness of a music dealer there for some time; whether his music had 
charms to soothe the savage breasts of the counsel and litigants who 
thronged the other rooms of the old building we are not told, but 
it may have had its share in bringing about that amelioration of the 
manners of the Bar, which has been spoken of. 

You will remember that the chairman of our meeting on Satur- 
day mentioned many of the lawyers who flourished here in^ the in- 
fancy of Buflalo; among them he named Hon. Henry E.'Davies, 
late Judge of the Court of Appeals, who was City Attorney and 
clerk at the time of the great controversy concerning the location of 
Commercial and Water streets, which Mr. Babcock also mentioned; 
that controversy left a long legacy of litigation to the city; even so 
late as the year 1860 or 1861, when I was City Attorney, I argued 
in the Court of Appeals, a case which was originally brought in the 
year 1844 by the city against Jonathan Sidway, and which grew out 
of the Commercial and Water street matter, and when the facts were 
stated at the opening of the argument, 

JUDGE DAVIES AROSE AlfD LEFT THE BENCH, 

saying that he could not sit in the case, as he had been attorney for 
the city in those matters. 

I have thought that a brief mention of the changes which have 
taken place in the Bar might interest you. The list of attorneys in 
Buffalo in 1856, comprises one hundred and seventy names; of these 
fifty-one are dead, thirty-four have removed to other localities, three 
remain with us, but are not in practice, and of ten others I have no 
knowledge, leaving but seventy-two who are still connected with the 
profession, either on the bench or at the Bar. Our present roll of 
attorneys includes over two hundred names. Thus it appears that 
nearly two-thirds of the lawyers of this city have commenced their 
professional lives within the last twenty years, and that, while our 
city has doubled in wealth and population, the number of mem- 
bers of our profession has not increased in anything like the same 
proportion. 

And now that "Ichabod" is written upon the portals of the 
old Court House, now that its glory has departed, and we bid fare- 
well to it, and to all the memories and associations which cluster so 
thickly around it, let it be our aim to maintain and if possible ele- 
vate still higher the honorable position which the Bar of Erie 
County has always sustained, and see to it that the dignity and 
honor of our profession suffer no detriment at our hands, in the 
elegant surroundings of our new Temple of Justice, to which we 
go with mingled feelings of sorrow for the past and gladness and 
hope for .the present and the future. 



123 

Mr. Box was called for, and spoke as follows : 

SPEECH OF H. W. BOX, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Brethren of the Bar : At a banquet where so 
much has been appropriately and eloquently said, I confess I am em- 
barrassed in attempting to add a single word. 

I am profoundly grateful to the movers of this re-union of the 
Bar of Erie County. 

We have been made to feel to-night that ours is a glorious pro- 
fession, and to rank well with its best members is no ordinary priv- 
ilege. Surely, a little self-glorification on such an occasion as this 
is pardonable; besides, self-praise has one great element of advantage 
over all other kinds of praise, it is always convenient; and if we 
do not take it in sufficient doses, the fault is our own. 

I am sorry the world has not always held so high an estimate of 
our profession as we place upon it ourselves to-night. 

Cromwell's barebones parliament 

cherished no such exalted notions concerning our profession, and 
regarded the whole fraternity with suspicion. 

But, gentlemen, whatever may have been the prejudices against 
lawyers in the early days of our civilization, it is certain none exist 
to-day. No pursuit in life appears more captivating to the aspirant 
for fame than the profession of the law as it is followed and' rewarded 
in our American courts. 

It is the great avenue to political preferment and reputation; its 
honors are among the most splendid which can be attained in a 
free country, and its emoluments and privileges are prizes to be con- 
tested for by all its members. The rolls of our own County Bar 
celebrate many individuals who have risen from the humblest ranks 
by patient labor to wealth and station. 

If the younger members of this Bar imagine they perceive in the 
elevation of these men much due to fortuitous circumstances, they 
are sadly deceived. These men are the architects of their own 
respective fortunes. Let us submit ourselves to the same tests, the 
same unremitting toil ; if we do not attain their greatness, we can 
acquire distinction. The dream of indolence must be dissipated; 
we must awaken to the truth that there is no excellence without 
great labor. 

The young men here to-night will soon be called to take the 
places of the sages of the Bench and Bar whose splendid achieve- 
ments they now daily witness with admiration and surprise. In 
remembrance of the past, who would dare venture a prediction as 
to who present will occupy the future x>laces of honor, trust and 
emolument! The genius at the college, think you? The young 
gentleman who answered every question asked by the examining 
committee for admission ? The young man of high family position ? 



124 

The child of wealthy parents? The history of the past furnishes 
no affirmative answer. 

We have seen the genius sink and perish in poverty, obscurity and 
wretchedness, while on the other hand we have observed the 
mediocre plodding his slow but sure way up the hill of life, gaining 
steadfast footing every step, and mounting, at length, to eminence 
and distinction, an ornament to his family, a blessing to his country. 

SIR JOSHUA REYlsrOLDS SAID: 

"If a man has great talents industry will improve them; if he has 
but moderate abilities industry will supply their deficiency." The 
Spartan youth who complained to his mother that his sword was 
too short, was told to add a step to it ; and so must our scant ca- 
pacity be increased by diligence, and a more earnest determination. 
If it be not literally true that " nothing is denied to well directed 
labor," it is certain that "nothing is to be obtained without it." 

To those of my young professional brethren who have just en- 
tered upon the practice of the law, and who scarcely know where 
the next installment for board is to be obtained, take courage from 
the success of your seniors who have triumphed over similar obsta- 
cles and reached the highest positions in our profession. They ap- 
preciate yourembarrassments and annoyances, they sympathize with 
you, and in their heart of hearts bid you G-od's speed. 

Learn to labor and to wait, and you shall verify the truth in your 
own lives of the declaration of the great dramatist: 

" Sweet are the uses of adversity, 
Whicli like the toad, ugly and venomous, 
Wears yet a precious jewel in its head." 

Mr. E. C. Pattison was called upon, and his address was as fol- 
lows: 

ADDRESS OF E. C. PATTISON, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: As we have left the old Court 
House, and, professionally speaking, left it forever, it seems to me 
that the occasion requires and is entitled to a poet; and, although 
I've not been published as one whom the Muse has looked upon 
with favor, still I cannot let the opportunity pass without contribut- 
ing my verse. But I trust, gentlemen, you will not lay aside your 
Shakespeare, Milton, Byron and Burns, to welcome 

A POET FROM THE BUFFALO BAR. 

I say the occasion demands a song, celebrating it, as we do around 
this festive board, and those venerable old buildings should by right 
be embalmed in verse, for, be it known, they must be embalmed in 
something to keep then! together, although I fear my verse won't 
preserve those old benches and bars from the decay that will visit 
them from henceforth. 



125 

We've had many a happy time there, sometimes feeling keenly 
sensitive of our defects, at other times reveling in our triumphs. 
Justice has been meted out there, I hope, at all times with an even 
hand, and, as occasion required, it has been tempered with mercy, 
by those who have graced our Bench, as shining lights in the legal 
firmament, but who have now gone down the tide of returnless 
years; others have filled their places, and our Bench is now the 
pride and glory of the Bar, and one which we may Justly feel proud 
of. But, sir, on this joyous occasion, celebrating our possession of 
the new City and County Hall, we can look back at the old Court 
House and say: 

Farewell to the rooms, where Justice held sway, 
Farewell to walls, that begin to decay, 
Farewell to its Bench, farewell to its Bar, 
Welcome, thrice welcome, our new " Temple Bar." 

We've left the old Court House, entered the new, 
And look back over mem'ries bright as the dew. 
To where battles hard have been fought and won. 
And others been lost, to all and each one. 

There scenes were acted we ne'er can forget, 
And hopes were blasted, bright suns were set ; 
There young legal lights have made their first plea, 
Proud of their triumphs, as gems from the sea. 

There the Judge, Lawyer, Sheriif and Clerk, 
Met to solve problems that puzzled old Quirk ; 
Old Gammon and Snap have taken a hand 
In troubles of those who belong to our band. 

The Fillmores and Havens, Gansons and Halls, 
Have wrestled for justice within those walls; 
Verplanck and Hasten, Mullett and Grover, 
Have graced the old Bench, now left forever. 

We left the old Court House, left it in pairs, 
And thought of the fun we've often had there; 
Ah ! what's that glistens'? a tear in the eye — 
Farewell, old homestead ! we bid you good-bye. 

Another call was made for the younger members of the Bar, and 
Mr. H. B. Greene answered for them, and made one of the best 
speeches of the evening. It was original, thoughtful, and instruct- 
ive. His address was sufficiently interlarded with anecdote to make 
it amusing and relishable, and it was listened to with the deepest 
interest. 

Mr. Greene was followed by Mr. J. G. Milburn, another young, 
promising and rising member of the profession, who acquitted 
himself nobly in a manly and thoughtful address, that evinced 
extensive reading, and a well-stored mind. 



126 

Mr. Perry G. Parker was loudly called for, and gave the follow- 
ing address : 

ADDRESS OF P. G. PARKER, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Brother Lawyers: I have never delivered a 
Fourth of July oi-ation in my life; never have read an essay or an 
address before an agricultural society, although the son of a farmer 
and brought up at farmers' work. 

This is my native county, and this city has been my home during 
all my legal labors, and will be until those labors are ended. In 
September, 1841, I entered the office of Fillmore and Haven as a 
student-at-law, and remained there until I was admitted to practice 
in November, 1844, at the October term of that year held at 
Eochester, N. Y. Lucien Hawley, Isaiah T. Williams, James M. 
Haven and E. Carlton Sprague were associate clerks and students 
in the same office. Of Mr. Sprague I need not speak; he has done 
that for himself Mr. Haven, a younger brother of S. G. Haven, 
died in April, 1844 j he did not live long enough to be admitted to 
practice in his chosen profession. He was talented, kind-hearted, 
and amiable as a young woman. Hawley and Williams, were ad- 
mitted to the Bar at the same time I was, in 1844. Of Hawley, 
let me say he is a good lawyer, the incorruptible government offi- 
cial, an honest man — a valued friend. Williams was bound to 
succeed, and he has accomplished success, 

STAJSTDIKG IN" THE PRONT RA^STK 

of the profession in the city of New York, and has few superiors as 
an advocate. The friendships formed in our student life have 
existed ever since. The life of the student then was not what it is 
now. It was very rare that the student was allowed, like my 
brother Lewis to pettifog before he was admitted. 

The lawyer has a profession which is second to none other; and 
in its ranks are to be found the ablest and the best in every com- 
munity of this enlightened country. 

In 1843, Reuben Hyde Walworth, was Chancellor of the State; 
Samuel Nelson, was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Nathan 
Dayton, Circuit Judge; Nathan K. Hall, First Judge of Erie 
County; Horatio J. Stow, Eecorder of the City of Buffalo; Henry 
W. Rogers, District Attorney of Erie County. Among the old law 
firms of Buffalo I remember at that time, were Fillmore, Hall & 
Haven; Barker, Hawley & Sill; Potter, Babcock & Spaulding; 
Austin, Love & Vedder. This union of strength was desirable be- 
causfe it permitted a division of labor, as every variety of business 
was done in each law office, — civil and criminal in law, equity and 
admiralty, through all the different stages of litigation. 

I tried my first case in a Court of Record in December, 1845, 
before H. K. Smith, Recorder and a jury. Judge Daniels was my 
opponent. I was in excellent health and perfectly sober, and yet I 



127 * 

remember that it was with great difficulty that I could stand upon 
my feet when addressing the court or Jury; there was a weak- 
ness in my knees, and a general feeling of feebleness. I was de- 
feated by a decision of the court upon a question of law; but on 
appeal to the Supreme Court I reversed the Eecorder and succeeded 
in the case. 

ALL MY ASSOCIATIONS 

with the Bar of Brie County have been pleasing and enjoyable. I 
have received the greatest kindness from Bench and Bar. In many 
a warm contest honorable blows have been taken and given; and 
sjelf-respect and friendship maintained. I think this Bar is noted 
for its liberal practice; and I commend this to its younger mem- 
bers as more profitable and agreeable in the long run than technical 
or sharp practice. 

The code and rules furnish a general guide in the practice; but 
there are constantly springing up matters for which there is no 
written rule and you must rely upon the word of promise of your 
adversary; see to it that your promise be kept. In all things in- 
volving the merits of your case, consult your client's interest; in 
matters of practice consult your own convenience and pleasure. 

Before me, on my right, is a small band of my brothers, with 
gray hairs. I am hastening on and will soon join them. I see 
the crowd coming up the hill on the other side; I say to you, 
welcome; but hasten slowly; do not turn us away. Be kind to us; 
we would linger yet awhile about the scenes with which we have 
been so long familiar. This social gathering marks an era in the 
Bar of Erie County. The movement to form a Bar Association 
meets with my hearty approval. Let it embrace all; and its object 
be to elevate and improve us 4II, not to push down any. Prom the 
social feeling which begins here to-night the best of results will 
flow, if properly cultivated. Therefore, cherish this and organize. 
I thank you for the attention you iiave given me, and bid you all 
good- night. 

Mr. Giirney, being called upon, said : 

ADDRESS OF W. H. GURNEY, ESQ. 

Mr. 'President and Gentlemen of tJie Erie County Bar : I did 
not expect to be called upon to speak to j'ou to-night, indeed, in 
all this talk about the "old members" and the "young mem- 
bers" of the Bar, I hardly know where I belong. Until the last 
few days I supposed I ranked with the young members — among the 
boys — but when we took leave of the old Court House, and were 
formed by Gen. Scroggs in Military order, or in Masonic order, the 
boys in front and the old men in the rear, I was, to my surprise, 
nearer the rear than the front; there were more boys in front of me 
than old men behind me. 



128 

Mr. Chairman, I was admitted in the class of 1860, a class en- 
titled to some recognition at your hands, and I believe, sir, I am the 
only representative of that distinguished class present this evening, 
and I propose to say something in its defense. We have heard to- 
night of those admitted prior to 1850, and of the young members 
— but of the class of '60, we have, until now, heard nothing. 

For the last four days we have been constantly reminded of the 
old members — of how those old men practiced law. Why, Mr. Pres- 
ident, those old fellows undoubtedly, did nobly in their day and 
generation — ^we do nobly in ours. When they point us to their 
eloquent Barker, we can show them a dozen eloquent Barkers. 
When they point to their Dudley Marvins, we can point to a score 
of Marvins. When they point to lawyers who won verdicts from 
juries by the mere force of their eloquence, we can show a dozen 
who do that every day. When they show you a lawyer who could 
get verdicts and could not keep them, we can show his counterpart 
to-day. When they point with pride to the honest and able judges, 
with an equal degree of pride we can direct attention to our accom- 
plished, honest and able judges. 

Practicing law in those days and to-day is a different matter; as 
an illustration, in those days when they desired to follow their causes 
to the Court of Last Eesort — then the Court for the Correction of 
Errors — it took them a week, by the then most expeditious mode 
of traveling, the stage-coach or the packet-boat, to reach Albany. 
Now we go to bed in Buffalo in the evening, and are in Albany the 
next morning, ready to argue our causes. There has been a change 
in mode and manner of practicing law. Those old men so noble 
and efficient in their age and day of the world, would be as much 
out of place in this, as would the stage-coach and packet-boat as 
a mode for speedy travel. • 

It seems proper for the class of '60 occupying the prominent mid- 
dle position that they do, to say this. We can say, to the old men 
of our day that we do not think you have passed the days of your 
usefulness, but that your opinions are not as vigorous as they were 
formerly. We can say to the boys — but in view of the able speeches 
we have had from them to-night, it would be a bold man that 
would say anything to them, except to congratulate them — to the 
student we say, it is to the class of '60 that they must look for the 
redress of those unpleasant things which surround the life of the 
student; the members of that class have not forgotten tlie days 
when they were students. Many of the obstacles that the class of '60 
encountered exist no more — the life of a student now, is compara- 
tively pleasant, when contrasted with the time when the class of 
'60 were students. But evils still exist, and it shall be the special 
mission of the class of '60 to see them removed. 



129 

Mr. Josiah Cook, after being excnsed two or three times, finally 
yielded to the call for a speech, and spoke thus : 

ADDRESS OF JOSIAH COOK, ESQ. 

Mr. Chairman and Brethren of the Bar : I thank you for the 
compliment you have been pleased to pay me in calling upon me 
to address you. I do, indeed, appreciate the compliment, when I 
look about me ^d see the yast number of learned gentlemen I 
am addressing. 

Brethren, I have met the members of the Erie County Bar on 
more than twenty different occasions, called together to exchange 
condolences upon the death of some brother, and to walk in pro- 
cession to the depositing of the remains of those deceased brethren 
in their last resting-place. I remember the last meeting for that 
purpose was to pay the last tribute of respect to that bright spirit, 
the lamented Folsom. 

And when we gathered at the " Old Court House" for the pur- 
pose of marching from there to the new Temple of Justice, was 
there one in that vast assemblage who did not heave the sigh of 
bereavement as they took the last look at the old structure? Not 
one. And it occurred to me that, as every occasion upon which the 
Erie County Bar had met in a body, had been one of sorrow, it was 
about time that we met for the purpose of having a social time. 
It was these reflections which prompted me to offer the resolution 
that we meet at this banquet table. We are here, and I have been 
pleased by the general good-feeling which has prevailed, and again 
to see the large attendance here to-night. This is a meeting of the 
Erie County Bar, which will not soon be forgotten ; it is the first 
of the kind, and, I hope, not the last. I atn pleased at the very 
large attendance here, of what may be termed, the young members 
of the Bar, and, while listening to the speeches of several of them 
here this evening, it occurred to me that Erie county might well 
be proud of the young men who are coming up to associate with 
and take the places of the older members, when they should be 
called to their fathers. In conclusion, allow me to suggest to the 
younger members who have been talking much about Roman law 
and lawyers, that they had better give their attention to Buffalo law 
and lawyers, for, after they have practiced at the Buffalo Bar for 
twenty years, as I have, they will find that the Buffalo lawyers will 
keep them so busy, that they will have little time to devote to 
Justinian etal. 

Gentlemen, I bid you good-night. 



130 

The chairman referred to the law firm of Fillmore, Hall & Haven 
and to Thomas J. Sizer as having been a student with them and 
having for a time the charge of their law business, and asked to 
hear something from him. Mr. Sizer in response said: 

ADDRESS OF T. J. SIZER. 

The chairman's allusion to my former connection with the dis- 
tinguished law firm requires me to say something. I had not 
thought but that many others present, as Mr. Sprague, Mr. Parker, 
and others, were students with that firm, but, thinking of it, there 
is only Dennis Bowen present whom I remember as a student with 
me. 

Mr. Fillmore was one of the best of lawyers. It seemed so to me 
then ; and I know it better as I have had better opportunities for 
observation and comparison. It has, by many, been supposed that 
he was chiefly a statesman. I think him more pre-eminent as a 
lawyer — one of the best, if not the best, whom I have ever person- 
ally known. His method was admirable. He seemed rather slow 
and cautious, but in reality progressed through his examination of 
a case with disptltch, and came to his conclusion with remarkable 
certainty and confidence, because his system was so good and 
thorough. He noted, but laid aside, each irrelevant question, and, 
following the principle of the case, knew, with confidence, the 
true conclusion when it was reached. I know this from, my own 
good opportunities for observing. He was always a student, always 
a learner, always acquiring. 

Judge Hall had remarkable qualities. His instinctive knowl- 
edge of law was wonderful; and his off-hand opinion on any point 
almost invariably accurate. He wrote a beautiful hand, and more 
rapidly than any one I ever knew, and could transact business with 
wonderful dispatch and correctness. If cornered, or pressed for 
time, he could do more in an hour, and do it well, than many a 
one could do in a whole day. 

In my opinion, as a judge, he erred in elaborating his decisions, 
and in the conscientiousness with which he investigated authorities. 
I think he would have been entirely safe in relying more on the ex- 
cellence of his own intuitive perceptions and knowledge, and that 
his great abilities would have been better appreciated, and his 
health preserved. 

Mr. Haven was perhaps more known as a lawyer than either of 
his partners by those here present, and he has already been well 
and truly described. His pleasant manner in all his professional 
work most agreeably impressed everybody, and undoubtedly had a 
most excellent effect on this Bar. But Mr. Haven was a remarka- 
ble worker. He seemed to love work for its own sake; and I think 
he erred in making it too constant and continuous. He would 
to the very last, spend long evenings in his office in the work of 
copying papers. 



131 

I have felt very much interested here to-night in the appeals of 
the students and younger members of the Bar for sympathy and 
encouragement. It is not always easy to find satisfactory methods 
by which to express these. The young must not suppose that they 
alone are subject to embarrassment, and that they alone experience 
these wants. 



Since the Banquet, the chairman has received a letter from Hon. 
Henry E. Davies, formerly a BufiFalonian, but now of New York. 
The older residents of Buffalo will remember Mr. Davies as a prom- 
ising young lawyer, who began his professional career a half a cen- 
tury ago, and who held the office of cleric and attorney of the village 
corporation of Buffalo in 1826, or fifty years ago. Judge Davies 
has since then become eminent as a lawyer and jurist, and has been 
a member of the Court of Appeals. It is to Judge Davies that Mr. 
Greo. Wadsworth referred in his address at the Banquet, as having 
left his seat on the Bench, when a Buffalo case was called, in which 
he had been counsel many years before. Judge Davies is now full 
of years and is crowned with well-earned laurels, won in the pro- 
fession, and on the Bench. His letter to Mr. Sprague here follows: 

LETTER OF HON. HENRY E. DAVIES. 

New York, March 27, 1876.* 
Hon. E. C. Sprague, Buffalo, N. Y.: 

My Dear Sir : On the afternoon of the fourteenth of March, instant, I had 
the honor to receive from the committee of the Bar of Erie County an invi- 
tation to a dinner, to be given that evening at the Tifft House. For this 
remembrance of the Bar of Erie County, permit me to express my grateful 
acknowledgments, and the regret I have deeply felt that it vras not in my 
power to be present on this interesting occasion. 

I have read with great interest the proceedings of the meeting of the Bar of 
Erie County, held at the old Court House, in Buffalo, on Saturday the eleventh 
day of March, inst. It would have been peculiarly gratifying to my feelings 
to have been present on that occasion. The scene calls back to my memory 
the fact, that fifty years since I made my first professional speech in that 
room, before the Court of Common Pieas of Erie County, and the subsequent 
events of my professional life have never effaced the interest of that, to me, 
memorable occasion. 

You will permit me to express to the Bar of Erie County, through you, and 
to the chairman of the meeting referred to, my grateful acknowledgments for 
the notice taken of my connection with the Bar of your county. I shall 
hope, at no distant day, personally to interchange congratulations with you 
upon your removal from the old to the new Court House, where I hope you 
will all achieve great professional honors and be rewarded with the approving 
voice of a grateful and faithfully served community. I have the honor to 
be, with great respect, 

Very truly yours, 

Henry B. Davies. 



132 



ANOTHER BANQUET. 



THE ATTACHES OF THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE CELEBRATE 
THEIR REMOVAL. 



The gentlemen connected with tlie County Clerk's office cele- 
brated the transition from the old to the new, in a somewhat select 
and private social reunion. The affair was confined to the clerk, 
his deputies and employees, the ex-county clerks, and former 
attaches of the office, with a few inyited guests, and came off 
Thursday evening, March 16. 

The party assembled in the old clerk's office at half-past seven 
o'clock and organized, by the appointment of George L. Eemington, 
Esq., the County Clerk, as chairman. On taking the chair, Mr. 
Eemington said that in leaving the old quarters he had no regrets 
to offer. There was nothing about it to claim endearment except 
the recollections and associations formed there. In leaving this 
old building for the more noble structure, he said: Let us deter- 
mine to so shape our lives that in the end we go to buildings more 
spacious, to palaces more grand and which shall remain eternal. 

Mr. ISToah P. Sprague was appointed vice-president and made 
brief remarks. In connection with the old building he had recol- 
lections both pleasant and sad. He came to Buffalo in 1824. In 
1831 he became County Clerk, which office he held for three years, 
and, beginning with 1840, he held it for- a second term. The first 
clerk of the county was Louis Le Couteulx, a polished gentleman 
of the old school, one of the French nobility, courteous and digni- 
fied, a very genial, excellent old man. When Mr. Sprague came 
to Buffalo it was a village of about two thousand inhabitants. He 
remembered talking with G-en. Joseph Clary, Mr. Barker, and David 
Burt, regretting the shabby appearance of the square in front of 
the Court House. Mr. Barker, then County Clerk, proposed that 



133 

they should get some trees to plant there ; the next day they went 
out to the chestnut ridge and procured some trees which they 
planted in the square, some ten or twelve of which the speaker 
could recognize to-day. He thought it due to the Clerks of Erie 
county to say that they had been a line of honorable men, and he 
hoped that in the future the same integrity and capacity might be 
shown. 

Mr. S. Gary Adams was chosen secretary, and in assuming the 
duties of the station, he said: 

ADDRESS OF MR. ADAMS. 

Mr. Cliairman and Gentlemen: I thank you for the honor of 
this appointment. For months I have been anxiously waiting and 
hoping to see the change take place, from the old to the new, as to 
all departments of public business, but as to none of them, with as 
much eagerness, as I have with respect to this office. As an out- 
sider during several years, I have witnessed the crowded condi- 
tion of affairs within these walls, and have felt that the records and 
files were being ruined for the want of proper accommodation. I 
remember well but a few years ago when the commissioners turned 
this then new building over to its uses as a Court House and Clerk's 
office. I felt then, as now, that it was a monstrosity, and wholly 
unfitted as a place in which to store public records. 

My connection with this office began in January, 1859, and ended 
January, 1865. It was with me, as it is, and has been with all who 
are, and have been connected with it, 

A TIME OF STEADY HARD WORK. 

I found as you who are connected with it now find, that it is not a 
matter of pastime, but " that eternal vigilance is the price of 
safety," that the public interests require constant, continuous 
watchfulness so that no mistakes shall be allowed to creep into 
the records; that nothing shall be lost, and that all, so far as 
possible, may be kept as good as new. 

It was my experience during my entire continuance in this office 
to find a public, willing to give all due credit for all honest 
endeavors to fairly discharge the duties of the position. Particu- 
larly was this the case with the gentlemen of the legal profession 
with whom I was brought in daily contact. These are the bright 
points in my memory connected with this building to which we 
are now about to bid farewell. These are the redeeming features 
connected with it. Robbed of these its memory would be hateful. 
As with myself, so no doubt it is with the rest of you. 



134 

But these memories, these recollections we shall take with us, 
and always cherish them. And as the new rooms to which we go 
are the more bright and the more beautiful, so also shall be these 
memories and these recollections. 

Mr. Marcus Bartlett, the affable and obliging deputy clerk, was 
called upon to address the meeting in behalf of the employees of 
the ofl&ce, and said : 

ADDEESS OF MR. BARTLETT. 

Mr. President and Gentlemen : I thank you for your courtesy in 
calling on me to make a few remarks on this occasion, and as I 
have not much to say I hope not to tire your patience. It may 
perhaps be thought by some that we are rather late in formally 
leaving our old place of business and taking possession of the new. 
But did they know the amount of labor that was necessary to be 
performed to remove the things that belong to this ofBce to their 
new position, did they know that the County Clerk's office was kept 
open for business and transacted all that came promptly up to five 
o'clock Saturday evening, its usual hour of closing, and that it was 
open at the new building and everything in place and ready for 
business at the usual opening hour nine o'clock on Monday morn- 
ing, they would know that work had to be done, and when 
informed that there were eighty-three wagon loads of records and 
documents, they will discover just cause for this delay, and 
acknowledge that the work was performed quickly and quietly 
without even delaying any act of official business for a moment. 
And for this, great praise is due not only to the officials and 
employees, but to many of our outside friends whose business had 
made them familiar with the office, and who, taking an interest in 
its affairs, promptly tendered assistance and rendered efficient aid. 
And now we are ready to unite with our friends in taking a formal 
leave of our old quarters, and a foi-mal possession of the new. 

And here I beg leave to read a few lines of verse that I have 
hastily jotted down for the occasion: 

Years ago I am told when our city was new, 
When our county was young and its records were few, 
Good men of the age, quite discerning and wise, 
In the light of the past saw the future arise. 

With a keen sense of need and an honest good will. 
And perhaps of those times with an architect's skill. 
They planned and erected, by diligent work. 
This building, for Court House and office of Clerk. 

'Twae a safe, noble structure, no doubt for its time; 
No doubt its projectors e'en thought it sublime, 
As a place for the records of mortgage and deed, 
The Clerk's office sure must be all they would need. 



135 

But Time, the great teacher that many despise. 

Gives knowledge and wisdom ofttimes to the wise. 

And happy the man, and the people, indeed, 

When truth comes so plain that though running they read. 

This awkard, contracted, unhealthy, dark place. 
To both county and city became a disgrace, 
When those who kept pace with the marches of time, 
Planned and reared its successor, a model sublime. 

And therefore we leave this old castle alone. 
With a joy in our hearts we are willing to own; 
Though memory whispers of many things here. 
Which time and our friendships have made doubly dear. 

But ere we depart let us briefiy review \ 
Those deeds of the past, we here learned to do, 
And see if perchance while the watchman has slept, 
Naught bad was engrossed where the records are kept. 

Through dockets of judgments and libers of deeds. 
Through mortgage foreclosures and intricate leads. 
We have searched for the titles of houses and lands, 
To help those in trouble and strengthen their hands. 

Faithful scribes we have been, at least tried to be. 
And to leave the best page where others could see. 
On the books of this office we oft would compete. 
But that does not prove all our records complete. 

For the unwritten page to our minds may reveal 
Certain deeds which displayed less of wisdom than zeal. 
And the thought of them often our feelings have stirred. 
But we never were human unless we had erred. 

If we often did wrong, we as oft would deplore. 
And like other transgressors the same things do o'er,] 
So with good and with bad we have jostled along, 
Ever striving for right but at times doing wrong. 

May our good deeds stand forth in the strength of their might, 
And our bad ones be buried in Oblivion's night; 
And as we go forth from these walls Avith a sigh. 
Drop a tear of regret with our parting good-bye. 

Messrs. Thomas B. Wright and Amos B. Tanner were then 
appointed marshals, and the employees and their guests, having 
been formed in procession, marched to the office in the new build- 
ing, where the meeting was re-organized, and the exercises opened 
with prayer invoked by Eev. James Kemington, of Lancaster, father 
of the County Clerk. 

Hon. Albert Haight, County Judge, then made some pleasant 
remarks, in the course of which he spoke of the City and County 
Hall as surpassing any other building in the country constructed 
for similar purposes. Heretofore the people of Buffalo had referred 



136 

to the public buildings with mortification, but now they were 
possessed of a structure of which they might well be proud. He 
congratulated the County Clerk and his employees upon the beautiful 
office to which they had been removed. 

Alonzo Tanner, Esq., considered the new City and County Hall 
an honor to the citizens of Erie county and of Buffalo. There was 
no building that he knew of, unless it might be the Capitol at 
Washington, that could compare with its magnificence. Mr. Tan- 
ner spoke of his familiarity with the County Clerk's Office, and of 
the great increase of the business of the county since 1850. He 
agreed with what had been said, that there should not be a great 
amount of murmuring upon leaving the old quarters. 

Mr. Barfclett, the deputy clerk, was again called upon and spoke 
as follows : 

Mr. President and Gentle^nen : Again I thank you for this 
mark of favor, and again, as I said before, I will endeavor to be 
brief, but it is well for me and perhaps better for you Avho are here 
assembled, that I am not a man of words ; that I am not an orator. 
For were I thus gifted I should endeavor at this time, in this place 
and on this occasion, surrounded as we are by all this grandeur and 
magnificence, to attempt in words to do justice to this building, its 
equipments, its architects, its projectors, its builders, and to all to 
whom we are indebted for its usefulness and beauty. But words 
as well as ideas fail me. We have here a safe receptacle for the most 
important documents of all the people of our county, the titles to 
their very homes ; and I am proud to live in a county where its 
leading men conceived and carried out so successfully such a worthy 
and laudable undertaking. I am proud to be a tax-payer in Erie 
county in this one hundreth anniversary of our nation's independ- 
ence that I may assist in the erection of so noble a structure. 

I will again conclude what I have to say in verse : 

We have passed from the old, we have entered the new, 
And behold what a change, what a sight meets the view ! 
And the truth stands before us in splendor sublime 
That mind has kept pace with the marches of time. 

A temple where wisdom should sit on the throne, 
A temple where fraud should be always unknown ! 
A temple where justice should never be dumb ; 
And a place for our records for long years to come. 

Words fail on my tongue half its beauties to tell. 
Of its firm granite walls from the basement to bell, 
Of its spacious apartments where neatness appears, 
Of its glittering columns and grand chandeliers. 



137 

From tlie tip of the turret to foundation stone 

Each part in itself is a model alone ; 

All forming combined (and which none should destroy) % 

A grand thing of beauty, forever a joy. 

These things in our hearts should awaken anew 

A faith in our kind, a resolve to be true. _ 

We are men with a title to honor and fame. 

Let our life records prove we are worthy the name. 

What is wealth without wisdom and that from above? 
What is man without honor and life without love ? 
For the joy of well doing will never depart 
From the thankful in spirit, the grateful in heart. 

We will thank all the builders that none feel aggrieved, 
From the hand that performed to the head that conceived; 
Especially those through whose wisdom and will 
We are blest with this model of architect skill. 

How thej'^ guarded the funds as they reared the strong wall, 

Is an houor to them and a blessing to all. 

And they each should be pre ud every fact to reveal 

In these days of lax morals when honest (?) men steal. 

But of earthly rewards nothing richer is gained 
Than to know that their fingers have never been stained; 
Then like just men and true we'll resolve here to-night — 
God giving us strength — we will always do right. 

If we seek for the favors of bounteous Heaven, 
Our bad deeds repented will all be forgiven ; 
Then like mortgages paid or outlawed judgment rolls, 
We shall feel they're no longer a lien on our souls. 

And the good, when the bad to oblivion have passed, 

Will all be recorded for ever to last, 

In letters of gold in those Libers of love. 

Kept only by Angels in mansions above. 

When the last page is reached and the last line is laid, 
The world will be blest by the records we've made. 
And with naught to upbraid, and no sorrow to feel. 
We will pass from this earth to the land of the leal. 

At the conclnsiou of Mr. Bartletfc's address, a procession was again 
formed, and leaving the stately building the company pursued their 
way to 

TEE OCEAN HOUSE, 

where the scene was exchanged for a banquet room in which a most 
inviting table was spread. The bill of fare was excellent, and the 
guests were in good condition for doing justice to it. After appe- 
tites were satisfied, a " feast of reason " was declared in order, and 
regular toasts were proposed and responded to, as follows : 
10 



138 

" The County of Erie/' responded to hy Judge Albert Haight. 
''The Building Commissioners," George S. Wardwell, Esq. 
" The Old Settlers of Erie County," Eev. James Remington. 
" The Superior Court," John C. Graves, Esq. 
"The District Attorney's Office," District Attorney D. N. Lock- 
wood. 

''The Sheriff's Department," Under Sheriff E. E. Chase. 
" The Surrogate's Office," C. W. Goodyear, Esq. 
" The County Treasurer's Department," E. C. Titus, Esq. 
" The Board of Supervisors," A. B. Tanner, Esq. 

Impromptu toasts and a general interchange of sentiment were 
then in order, and the late hours of the evening were passed in the 
most pleasant manner. 



139 



APPENDIX 



CIVIL LIST OF THE VILLAGE AND CITY OF BUFFALO 



FOR SIXTY YEARS. 



The following is a list of the names of persons who have filled the princi- 
pal offices under the charters of the village and city of Buffalo, for a period 
of sixty years, or from 1816 to 1876, inclusive : 



1816. 

CTerA;— Jonathan E. Chaplin. 

Treasurer — Josiah Trowbridge. 

Collector — Moses Baker. 

Trustees — Oliver Forward, Charles Towns- 
end, Heman B. Potter. Bbenezer Walden, 
Jonas Harrison, Samuel WUkesou. 

1817. 

Clerk — Jonathan E. Chaplin. 

Treasurer— ^osiiiti Trowbridge. 

Collector — Moses Baker. 

Trustees — Ebenezer Walden, Jonas Har- 
rison, John G. Camp, Samuel Wilkeson, Elias 
Eansom. 

1818. 

CiferA— Stephen K. Grosvenor. 

Treasure-) — Ehjah D. Efuer. 

Collector— yiofiB'i Baker. 

Trustees— So?,e:\>h Stocking, Charles Towns- 
end, Hemau B. Potter, Oliver Forward, 
Abraham Larzelere. 

1819. 

CZ«rA;— Stephen K. Grosvenor. 

Treasurer — Elijah D. Efner. 

Collector — Leonard P. Ci-ary. 

Trustees~-Chs.r\&i Townsend, Samuel Wil- 
keson, Joseph Stocking, Heman B. Potter, 
Joseph Landon. 

1820. 

(7^«r^— Stephen K. Grosvenor. 

Treasurer— ^\i]a.\i D. Efner. 

CoWectoT"— Moses Baker. 

Trustees— ChAr\&9, Townsend, Cyrenius Cha- 
pin, Samuel Wilkeson, Joseph Stocking, Wm. 
T. Miller. 



1821. 

Clerk— %. K. Grosvenor. 

Treasurer— "E,. D. Efner. 

Collector— '&. F. Gilljert. 

Trustees— 0\\a.Yi&i Townsend, Samuel Wil- 
keson, Joseph Stocking, Cyrenius Chapin, 
Heman B. Potter. 

1822. 

Cfer^— Gorham Chapin. 

Treasurer— Henry R. Seymour. 

Collector— Moses Baker. 

Trustees— ^heuezer Johnson, Oliver For- 
ward, John B. Hicks, John Scott, Henry M. 
Campbell. 

1823. 

Clerk— Joseph Clary. 
Treasurer— Henry R. Seymour. 
Collector — James Higi;ins. 
Trustees— Oliver Forward, Chas. Townsend, 
David Burt, Abner Bryant, Benjamin Caryl. 

1824. 

Clerk— Joseph. Clary. 

Treasurer— Renry R. Seymour. 

Collector— \ior\n Pierce. 

Trustees— Hem'An B. Potter, David Burt, 
Joseph Stocking, Nathaniel Vosburgh, Oliver 
Forward. 

1825. 

C/erA;— Joseph Clary. 

Treasurer— Re iry R. Seymour. 

Collector— J a,mes Higgins. 

Trastees-OMv^r Forward, David Burt, 
Heman B. Potter, Ebenezer Johnson, Na- 
thaniel Vosburgh. 



140 



1826. 

Clerk— Henvy E. Davies. 

Treasurer— Henry R. Seymour. 

Collector — .THmes Higgins. 

Truafees-OUver PoVvvard, Benjamin Eath- 
bun, William HoUister, Joseph D. Hoyt, Major 
A. Andrews. 

1837. 

Clerk— Benry E. Davies. 

Treasurer — Henry it. Seymour. 

Co/^ecto?'— Leonard P. Crary. 

Trustees — Benjamin Ratlibiin, Joseph D. 
Hoyt, William HoUister, Oliver Forward, 
Major A. Andrews. 

1828. 
Clerk— George P. Barker. 
Treasurer — Henry R Seymour. 
<7oM«ctor— James Higgins. 
Trustees — Bela D. Cbe, Anthony Beers, Jos. 
Clary, Hiram iTatt, Moses Baker. 

1829. 
Clerk — George P. Barker. 
Treasurer— Hertxy R. Seymour. 
Collector— li<\y\d. E. Merrill. 
TrMstees— Joseph Clai-y, Hiram Pratt, Bela 
D. Coe, Moses Baker, Anthony Beers. 

1830. 
C&rA— George P. Barker. 
Treasurer — Henry R. Seymour. 
Collector— YiA,V\ii E Merrill. 
Trustees— M.o's.e'a Baker, Theodore Coburn, 
John W. Clark, Jos. Clary, William Ketchum. 

1831. 
CTerifc— Elijah Ford. 
Treasurer— Henry R. Seymour. 
Collector— 11 fiv\d E. Merrill. 
Trustees— Be\A D. Coe, Moses Baker, John 
W. Clark, James Sheldon, Theodore Coburn. 

1833. 

CTerA— Elijah Ford. 

lYeasiirer-Henry R. Seymour. 

Collector— Gilm-<[n Smith. 

Trustees— John W. Clark, Wm. S. Waters, 
Cyrus Athearti, John D. Harty, Jos. Sheldon. 

Note. — Tlie village of Buffalo was incorpo- 
rated as a city by an Act of the Legislature o^ 
1833, which divided the city into five wards, ^ 
and authorized the election of two Aldermen ' 
in each ward, who, with the Mayor as the pre- 
siding officer, constituted theCommonCouncil. 
The Council elected the Mayor, Clerk, Treas- 
urer, Attorney, Street Commissioner, Sui-vey- 
or, and other corporation officers. The first 
election under the charter was held on the 
twenty-sixth of May, 1832, when the following 
board of officers was elected and superseded 
the village officers, above named, for the re- 
mainder of the year. 

1832. 
jlfayor— Ebenezer Johnson. 
Clerk — Dyre Tillinghnst. 
Treasurer— Henry R. Seymour. 
Jttorney—George P. Barker. 
Surveyor — J. J. Baldwin. 
Btreet Com?mssio?ier — Edward Baldwin. 

WARDS. A1,DBKMEN. 

JFirst—IsntiC S. Smith, Joseph W. Brown. 
Second — John G. Camp. Henry Root. 
Third — David M. Day, Ira A. Blossom. 
Fourth — Henry White, Major A. Andrews. 
Fifth — Ebenezer Walden, Thomas C. Love. 



1833. 
Mayor — Major A. Andrews. 
Clerk— EMyAh J. Roberts. 
Treasurer — Henry R. Seymour. 
Atiorvey-Vi^ iWi-Avn A. Mosely. 
Surveyor — James J. Baldwin. 
Street Commissionei — Edward Baldwin. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

J^irs<— Stephen Clark, Jos. W. Brown. 
Second — John G. Camp, James Durick. 
Third— Geo. B. Webster, Darius Burton. 
i^OM/'^A— Philander Bennett, Moses Baker. 
i^i/ifA— Sheldon Smith, Sylvester Matthews. 

1834. 

May09 — Ebenezer Johnson. 

C/6rA— Elijah J. Roberts. 

Treasurer — Orlando Allen. 

Aitorne7/—Wm. \. Mosely. 

Surveyor — James J. Baldwin. 

Street Vommissioner—'KA.vi&rdi Baldwin. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

i^irsi— Isaac S. Smith. Stephen Clark. 
Second — Sqnier S. Case, Henry Root. 
TAirc^— Birdsey Wilcox, John T. Hudson. 
Fourth— yioses Baker, Elijah Ford. 
Fifth— Sylvester Matthews, James Miller. 

1835. 

Mayor — Hiram Pratt. 

WfT-A— Theodotus Burwell. 

Treasurer — Henry Root. 

Attorney— 'N-Aihiiniel K. Hall. 

Surveyor — Wm. B. Gilbert. 

Street Commissioner— Sylw ester Matthews. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— Jno. W. Clark, Jno. Prince. 
Second— Sqmre S. Case, Orlando Allen. 
Third— Ira A. Blossom, Wm. P. P. Taylor. 
^our^A— Elijah Ford, Noyes Darrow. 
J<"i/if/t— Manly Colton, Nathaniel Vosburgh. 

1836. 

Mayoi — Samuel Wilkeson.- 
Cfe?'^— Elbridge G. Spaulding. 
Treasure!'— K. J. Douglas. 
Attorney— John L. Talcott. 
Su,nieyor—Wi\\w.Ta. B. Gilbert. 
Street Commissioner— A\-a.nson "Webster. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

i^in'^— John Prince, Aaron Goodrich. 
Second— itime's. Durick, M. L. Faulkner. 
Third— 'S. K. Grosveiior, Silas Sawin. 
jPow/'if/i— Nathaniel Wilgus, Harlow French. 
Fifth— D. F. Kimball, Jeremiah Staats. 

1837. 

Jf«?/or— Josiah Trowbridge. 

C/6/vfc— Theo. C. Peters. 

Treasurer— H'A.m\et D. Scranton. 
Attorney— Theodore C. Peters. 
Surveyur-WiWwrii B. Gilbert. 
Street Commissioner— ^nx. K. Scott. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— Wm. Valleau, Wm. J. Mack. 
Second— ,^■.Moh A. Barker. Geo. B Hayes. 
Third— Wtihev Joy, Edward L. Stevenson. 
^o?/ri/t— Nathaniel Wilgus, Moses Baker. 
Fifth— Pierre A. Barker, Nathaniel K. Hall. 



141 



1838. 

Mayor— Ehenezer Walden. 

Clerk— T. C. Peters. 

Treasurer — Hamlet D. Scraiiton. 

Attorney — Theodotus Burwell. 

Surveyor—^ . K. Scott. 

Street Commissioner— W . K. Scott. 

* Superintendent of Schools— O. G. Steele. 

Police Justice — James L. Barton. 

■WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— V). F. Kimball, C. S. Pierce. 
Seconds. S. Case, Lucius Storrs. 
Third— Wm. F. P. Taylor, James McKay. 
Fourth,— Nsithdmel Wilgus, Moses Baker. 
Mfth—Ch&rles Winne, Alonzo Raynor. 

1839. 

Mayor— Tih-am Pratt. 
Clerk— T. C. Peters. 
Treaswer—Wm. Moore. 
Attorney — Harlow S. Love. 
Surveyor— yj. K. Scott. 
Street Commissioner — Wm. K. Scott. 
Superintendent of Schools— O. G. Steele. 
Police Justice— James L.Barton. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

Mrst—V. W. Atkins, Henry Lamb. 
Second — Lucius Storrs, Tlios. R. Stocking. 
Third— W. Hollister, Jr., Bd. L. Stevenson. 
Fourth— M. L. Faulkner, F. Dellenbaugh. 
Fifth— Feter Curtiss, Augustine Kimball. 

1840. 

tiffayor— Sheldon Thompson. 

Clerk— Sqmer S. Case. 

Treasurer — John R. Lee. 

Attorney— Usirlow S. Love. 

Surveyor — W. K. Scott. 

Street Commissioner — Wm. K. Scott. 

Superintendent of ijc/ioo/s— Daniel Bowen. 

Police Justice— 'Hord.iiQ Clark. 



•WARDS. 



ALDERMEN. 



First— B.enrY Lamb. C. A. Comstock. 
Second— N. U. Gardner, Wm. Evans. 
Third— Wm. Williams. Horatio Shumvs^ay. 
i^'owWA— Philander Bennett, F. Dellenbaugh. 
Fifth— Peter Curtiss, L R. Harrington. 

1841. 
Mayor — Isaac R. Harrington. 
Cle?k—John T. Lacy. 
Treasurer— Wil\ia.m Williams. 
Attorney — George W. Houghton. 
Street Commissioner— Tlexrey Lovejoy. 
Superintendent of iScAoofe— Silas Kingsley. 
Police Justice— ^ovAce Clark. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— 'H.ewry'LAmyy, E. S. Havens. 
Second— 'Eikw^vA Root, N. H. Gardner. 
77iM-<i— Richard Sears, E. G. Spaulding. 
Fourth— PhWdn&ev Bennett, O. G. Steele. 
Fifth— 3o\m R. Lee, Henry Roop. 



* By Act of Legislature in 1837, the offices of 
Superintendent of Schools and Police Justice 
were created, and the Council authorized to 
fill the same. 

t By an amendment of the charter the Mayor 
was elected by the people, and Mr. Thompson 
was the first Mayor so chosen. 



1842. 
J^fayor— George W. Clinton. 
Clerk— John T. Lacy. 
Treasurer— John R. Lee. 
Attorney — Samuel Wilkeson, Jr. 
Surveyor— \^.en\•y Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — Abram Hempstreet. 
Superintendent of -ScAoofe— Samuel Caldwell. 
Police Justice — Horace Clark. 



WARDS. 



ALDERMEN. 



First— E. S. Havens, E. D. Robinson. 
Second— 'N. H. Gardner, L. H. Pratt. 
Third— John Wilkeson, O. H. MarshalL 
Fourth— O. G. Steele, Nelson Randall. 
Fifth— 3.. W. Pierce, Asahel Camp. 

1843. 
Maijor — Joseph G. Masten. 
Clerk— John T. Lacy. 
Treasurer — George C. White. 
Attorney— h. P. Nichols. 
Surveyor — Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — Charles S. Pierce. 
Superintendent of Schools— SiomueX Caldwell. 
Police Justice— iiov&ce Clark. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First — John Cummings, Patrick Smith. 
Second— F. S. Ellas, Alex. McCulloch, Jr. 
Third— A. M. Grosvenor, Manuel Taff. 
Fourth— W . R. Andrews, Thompson Hersee. 
Fifth— R. W. Pierce, Blbridge FarweU. 

1844. 
ifayor— William Ketchum. 
Clerk— John T. Lacy. 
Treasurer — Robert Pomeroy. 
Attorney— ^e'Cn B Sill. 
Surveyor— 'Renr's Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — Isaac T. Hathaway. 
Superintendent of Schools — Elias S. Hawley. 
Police Justice— E. A. Maynard. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— John Cummings, Patrick Smith. 
&co??.(^— Samuel F. Pratt, P. S. Ellas. 
Third — Daniel Bowen, Hiram Barton. 
Fowth—Jame?. DeLong, Thompson Hersee. 
Fifth— lu. L. Hodges, S. G. Walker. 

1845. 
Jfayor— Joseph G. Masten. 
Clerk — John Stringham. 
Treasurer — William Levering. 
Attorney— Eli Cook. 
Su7~veyor — Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — Abram Hempstreet. 
Superintendent of Schools— O. G. Steele. 
Police Justice— E. A. Maynard. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— W. W. Stanard, Patrick Smith. 
/Sfeco/M^— Orlando Allen, S. S. Jewett. 
Third— Daniel Bowen, Chas. A. Van Slyke. 
Fourth — Thompson Hersee. Chas. Essllnger. 
J'e/^A— William Williams, Robert Russell. 

1846. 
Mayor — Solomon G. Haven. 
Clerk — M. Cadwiillader. 
Treasurer — James Crocker. 
Attorn-ey — James MuUett. 
Suneynr—'Qenry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner— Siimnel Q. Walker. 
Superintendent of Schools— Duniel Bowen. 
Police Justice— F. A. Child. 



142 



■WARDS. ALDERMEK. 

J?*??-*)!— Patrick Smith, J. W. Banta. 
Seconds. 8. Jewett, S. T. Atwater. 
Third— Geors^e R. Babcock, Lester Brace. 
Ifourth—^elkon Randall, Harlow French. 
Mfth — B. Thompson, Samuel Haines. 

1847. 

J/ayor— Elbridge 6. Spaulding. 
Clerk— M.. Cadwallader. 
Treasurer — John R. Lee. 
Attorney — James. Sheldon, Jr. 
Surveyor — Henry Lovejoj'. 
Street Co/wmissioner— Samuel G. Walker. 
Su2}erintendent of Schools — E. S. Hawley. 
Police Justice— F. A. Child. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

Firsts. W. Banta, Patrick Smith. 
Second— OrVAnAo Allen, L. A. Burrows. 
Third — Calvin Bishop, Hiram Barton. 
Fourth— K. S. Merrill, O. G. Steele. 
Fifth— L. K. Plimpton, Watkins Williams. 

1848. 

Mayor — Orlando Allen. 

Clerk — Jesse Walker. 

* Comptroller— '^L Cadwallader. 

Treasurer — J. R. Lee. 

Attorney — J. P. Brown. 

Swveyor — Henry Lovejoy. 

Street Commissioner— %-Ama^i G. Walker. 

Superintendent of Schools — E. S. Hawley. 

Police Justice — P. A. Child. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— W. W. Stanard, J. M. Smith. 
Second — Daniel Bowen, D. M. Vanderpoel. 
Third — Levi Allen, Paul Roberts. 
Fourth— A. S. Merrill, H. H. Matteson. 
Fifth— L. K. Plimpton, Watkins Williams. 

1849. 

Mayor— Hiraia Barton. 

Clerk — Jesse Walker. 

Comptroller — M. Cadwallader. 

Treasurer — John R. Lee. 

Attorney— Churlea D. Norton. 

Surveyor— Henry Lovejoy. 

Street Com7nissioner— Samuel G. Walker. 

Superintendent of Schools— Bamel Bowen. 

Police Justice— P. A. Child. 



WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First — W. Lampman, H. Thomas. 
Second— S. S. Jewett, M. P. Bush. 
Third— S. A. Bigelow, C. P. Miller. 
Fourth — A. S. Merrill, Harrison Park. 
Fifth— W. K. Scott, L. P. Tiffany. 

1850. 
Mayor — Henry K. Smith. 
Clerk — Horatio Seymour. 
Comptroller— M. Ciidwallader. 
Treasurer— Dumel T. Marcy. 
Attorney— Swrae'i Wadsworth. 
Surveyor — Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner— AXheri S. Merrill. 
Superintendent of Schools— Reary K. Viele. 
Police Justice— P. A. Child. 

* Council was authorized in 1843 to appoint 
Comptroller, but none was chosen until 1848. 



WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— J. W. Banta, John Walsh. 
Second— M. P. Bush, M. W. Hill. 
Third— fnul Roberts, Miles Perry. 
Fourth— Ha.rris.on Park, A. S. Swartz. 
Fifth— L. P. Tiffany, G. L. Hubbard. 

1851. 
Mayor — James Wadsworth, 
Clerk— W. G. L. Smith, 
Comptroller — M. Cadwallader. 
Treasure-) — Cyrenius C. Bristol. 
Attoruey—VAX Cook. 
Surveijor — Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — Abram Hempstreet. 
Superintendent of Schools — O. 6. Steele. 
Police Justice — P. A. Child. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— C. S. Pierce. John Walsh. 
Second—^. W. Hill, M. P. Bush. 
Third — Alexander McKay, Paul Roberts. 
Fourth— K S. Swartz, Harrison Parks. 
Fifth— L. F. Tiffany, G. L. Hubbard. 

1852. 
Mayor — Hiram Barton. 
Vlerk — R. L. Burrows. 
Comptroller — M. Cadwallader. 
Treasurer — George R. Kibbe. 
Attorney— Cyr\3S O. Poole. 
Surveyo —Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner — James Howell. 
Superintendent of Schools— Yictor M. Rice. 
Police Justice— Charles R. Gold. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— John Walsh,'C. S. Pierce. 
Second— J. R Evans, M. W. Hill. 
Third — A. S. Bemis, Alexander McKay. 
Fourth— J. C. Harrison, A. S. Swartz. 
Fifth—A. L. Baker, L. F. Tiffany. 

1853. 
Mayor — Eli Cook. 
Clerk— R. L. Burrows. 
Comptroller — M. Cadwallader. 
Treasurer— George R. Kibbe. 
Attorney— Cyrus O. Poole. 
Surveyor— Henry Lovejoy. 
Street Commissioner— 3-Ames Howell. 
Superintendent of Schools— Victor M. Rice. 
Police Justice —Charles R. Gold. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— C. S. Pierce, John Walsh. 
Second— C. J. Wells, J. R. Evans. 
Third— Aleximdi'r McKay, A. S. Bemis. 
Fourth— Ban. Devening. Jr., J. C. Harrison. 
Fifth— B.. S. Chamberlain, A. L. Baker. 

1854. 
*Mayor—'Eli Cook. 
Comptroller— William Chard. 
Treasurer— John It. Evans. 
Attorney — John Hubbell. 
/SM)-i;«?/o*-— George Cole. 
Street Commissioner- Jacob L. Barnes. 
Superintendent of Schools— 'E^hraim F.Cook. 
Police Justice— deorge Drullard. 

* By an amendment of the charter in 1853, 
the city limits were extended so as to include 
the town of Black Rock, and the territory as 
enlarged was divided into thirteen wards. 
The term of city offices was made two years, 
and elective by the people 



143 



WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— 3. H. BidweH, C. S. Pierce. 
Second— O. D. Bidwell. C. J. Wells. 
Third— Geox^B W. Barker, Siimuel Slade, 
Foiirth — Hiram Chambers, J. J. Weber. 
Fifth— 'Ed.^-ta-A Bennett, Henry Lamb. 
Sixth— E,-AYry Miller, Solomon Sclieu. 
Seventh— A.. S. Plumley, Edwin Thayer. 
Eighth — Z. Bonney, B. Logan. 
Ninth— K. S. Bemis, C. F. Miller. 
Tenth— M.\ch.!\.e.\ Clor, Watkins Williams. 
Eleventh— ¥. A. Alberger. James Hiiggart. 
Twelfth—^. W. Howell, Fayette Rumsey. 
Thirteenth — J. A. Bridge, Sam. Twitchell, 
Junior. 
*President — Stephen W. Howell. 
Clerk— 'R. L. Burrows. 

1 1855. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— 3. H. Bidwell, C. S. Pierce. 
Second— h. J. Waters, C. J. Wells. 
Third — Samuel Slade, Geo. W. Barker. 
Fourth— Bivnm Chambers, J. J. Weber. 
Fifth— V. Dellenbaugh, Edward Bennett. 
Sixth — Solomon Seheu, Harry Miller. 
Seventh -A. J. McNett, A. S. Plumley. 
Eighth— Gk'O. J. Rehm, Z. Bonney. 
Ninth— 3. P. Lockwood, C. F. Miller. 
Tenth— T>Qnms Bowen, Watkins Williams. 
Eleventh— V. P. Stevens, James Haggart. 
Tivelfth—lj. P. Dayton, Fayette Rumsey. 
Thirteenth— ^ . C. Prescott, J. A. Bridge. 
President— Chwcl^?, S. Pierce. 
Clerk— R. L. Burrows. 

1856. 
Jfayor— Frederick P. Stevens. 
Comptroller— Chz.v\es S. Pierce. 
Treasurer— '^m.. L. G. Smith. 
Attorney— K. 3. McNett. 
Surveyor — George Cole. 
Street Vommii<sioner — Patrick Smith. 
Superintendent of Schools— ^. F. Cook. 
Police Justice— George Drullard. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— 3. H. Bidwell, Jarvis Davis. 
Second— h. 3. Waters. C. J. Wells. 
Third— "Si. Hagerman, James O' Brian. 
Fourth— H. Chambers, H. P. Thayer. 
i?'i/rt—F. Dellenbaugh, Edward Bennett. 
/Sicc^A— Lorenzo Gillig, P. Rechtenwnlt. 
Seventh— A. S. Plumley, Wm. Hellriegel. 
Eighth— G. 3. Rehm, Thomas Merrigan. 
Ninth— 3. F. Lockwood, H. T. Chamberlain. 
Tenth — Dennis Bowen, Miles Jones. 
Eleventh— 'm. S. Dann, H. P. Clinton. 
Twelfth— \j. P. Dayton, John Ambi-ose. 
Thirteenth—^ . C. Prescott, J. A. Bridge. 
President — Lewis P. Dayton. 
Clerk— W. H. Albro. 

1857. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— Michfiel Hagan, J. H. Bidwell. 
Second— C. 3. Wells. James B. Dubois. 
7'Ai/rf— James O'Brian, Joshua Barnes. 
Fourth—^. P. Thayer, Stephen Bettinger. 
i^i/i;/i— Edward Bennett, Edwin I hayer. 
Sixth— F. Rechtenwalt, C. Rodenbach. 
Seventh— Wm. Hellriegel, H. A. Goodrich. 

*By a charter amendment 'hi Council was 
authorized to elect a presiding officer from 
their own number. 

t City officers same as 1854. 



Eighth — Thos. Merrigan, Thos. O'Grady. 
Ninth — H. S. Chamberlain, S. W. Carpenter. 
Tenth — Miles Jones, Henry Martin. 
Eleventh— B.. P. Clinton, E. S. Dann. 
Twelfth — John Ambrose, L P. Dayton. 
Thirteenth— 3 . A. Bridge, Benj. Dole. 
President — L. P. Dayton. 
Clerk— W. H. Albro. 

1858. 
Jfa^or— Timothy T. Lockwood. 
Coinptrolki — Charles S. Pierce. 
Treasurer — C. A. W. Sherman. 
Attorney — Edwin Thayer. 
Surveyor— GxisX-a,\yis G. Berger. 
Street Commissioner — Levi J. Waters. 
Svperirdendent of Schools — Joseph Warren. 
Police Justice— Geo. Drullard. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First — T. H. Bidwell, Michael Hagan. 
Second— 3a.9. B. Dubois, C. J. Wells. 
Third — Joshua Barnes, Jas. O'Brian. 
Fourth — S. Bettinger. Harry Hersee. 
Fiflh—B. H. Colegrove, D. Devening, Jr. 
Sixth — C. Rodenbach, Harry Miller. 
Seventh— A. S. Plumley, Geo. F. Pfeifer. 
Eighlh—Thos. O'Gi-ady, Thos. Truman. 
Ninths. W. Carpenter, H. S. Chamberlain. 
Tenth — Henry Martin, Alonzo Tanner. 
Eleventh— E. S. Dann, H. P. Clinton. 
Twelfth — L. P. Dayton, John Ambrose. 
Thii teenth-Ben]. Dole, Geo. Moore. 
President — Daniel Devening, Jr. 
Clerk— W. H. Albro. 

1859. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

Fi7'st — Michael Hasan, Patrick Walsh. 
Secvnd—C.3 Welts, J. B. Dubois. 
Third— 3as. O'Brian, J. G. Turner. 
Fourth — Hai-ry Hersee, Jacob Beyer. 
Fifth— D. Devening, Jr., J. A. M. Meyer. 
Sixth — Harry Miller, William Messing. 
Seventh— Geo. P. Pfeifer, F. M Pratt. 
£ighth— Thos. Truman, P. F. Barton. 
Ninth— Ti. S. Chamberlain, F. A. Alberger. 
Tenth — Alonzo Tanner, A. S. Bemis. 
Eleventh— U. P. Clinton, A. A. Howard. 
Twelfth— 3o)in Ambrose, S. H. Howell. 
Thirteenth— Geo. Moore, Lewis L. Wilgus. 
President — Alonzo Tanner. 
CferA— Charles S. Macomber. 

1860. 
Mayor — Franklin A. Alberger. 
Comptroller — Alonzo Tanner. 
Treasurer— 3ohn S. Trowbridge. 
A ttorney — Geo. Wadsworth. 
Surveyor — Peter Emslie. 
Street Com?nissioner — Levi J. Waters. 
Superintendent of Schools— SunfordB. Hunt. 
Police Justice— I). D. Bidwell. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First^John Hanavan, Patrick Walsh. 
Second — Nathaniel Jones, J. B. Dubois. 
Third— Z. G. Allen, J. G. Turner. 
Fourth— Evemrd Palmer, Jacob Beyer. 
Fifth— Chas. Beckwith, J. A. M. Meyer. 
Sixth — Paul Qoembel, Wm. Messing. 
Seventh— 3. F. Swartz, F. M. Pratt. 
Eighth— Roh. Mills, P. F. Barton. 
Ninth — Jas. Adams, J. L. Barnes. 
Tenth— Geo. R. Yaw, A. S. Bemis. 
Eleventh — Jacob Crowder. A. A. Howard. 
Twelfth— W'Ash. Russell, S. W. Howell. 
Thirteenth— Thos. Savage, L. L. Wilgus. 
President — Asaph S. Bemis. 
Clerk — Chas. S. Macomber. 



144 



1861. 

■WAEDS. AIiDEKMBN. 

First— John Hanavan, Patrick Walsh. 
Second— Nath. Jones, Joel Wheeler. 
Third— Z. G. Allen. Nathaniel Brush. 
Fourth— Bverard Palmer, Edward Storck. 
Fifth— Charles Beckwith, Andrew Grass. 
Sixth— Pm\\ Goembel, Jacob Scheu. 
Seventh— J. F. Schwartz, F. M. Pratt. 
Eighth— nohevt Mills, C. E. Feltou. 
Mnth— James Adams, E. P. Dorr. 
Tenth-G. R. Yaw, A. S. Bemis. 
Eleventh— J. Crowder. A. A. Howard. 
Twelfth— W. Russell, S. W. Howell. 
Thirteenth— Thos. Savage, Thos. Rutter, 
President— Asaph S. Bemis. 
Olerk—Otia F. Preshrey. 

1862. 

ifa2/o»'— "William G. Fargo. 
Comptroller— Peter M. Vosburgh. 
Treasurer— Joseph K. Tyler. 
Attorney— y.-m-noi\ S. Cutting. 
Surveyor — Francis F. Curry. 
Street Oommissioner—Jumes O'Brian. 
Superintendent qf Schools- John B. Sackett. 
Polioe Justice— Alonzo Tanner. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— v. Walsh, J. Hanavan. 
Second— J. B. Dubois, Joel Wheeler. 
Third— J D. Colie, Alex. Brush. 
Fourih^-0. C. Hoyt, Edward Storck. 
Fifth— C. Beckwith, Andrew Grass. 
Sij:th—PM\l Goembel, Jacob Scheu., 
Seventh— V. Bangasser, W. A. Sutton. 
EigMh—C. B. Felton, Robert Mills. 
Miith—'E. S. Warren, E. P. Dorr. 
Tntfi^— Geo. R. Yaw, A. S. Bemis. 
Eleventh— J. Crowder, N. K. Hopkins. 
Twelfth— I,. P. Dayton, Peter Burgard. 
Thirteenth— U. M. Taylor, Thos. Rutter. 
President — Charles Beckwith. 
Clerk — Charles S. Macomber. 

1863. 
Police Justice— W. H. Albro. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— F. Walsh, J. Hanavan. 
Second— G. B. Gates, J. B. Dubois. 
Third— W. P. Moores, S. D. Colie. 
Fourth— 'R\c\vM-A Flach, O. C.Hoyt. 
Fifth— M\iah Ambrose, C. Beckwith. 
Sixth— J. Scheu, Paul Goembel. 
Seventh— Wm. A. Sutton, F. Bangasser. 
Eiffhlh—n. C. Persch, Robert Mills. 
Ai/iiSA— W. J. Mills. B. S. Warren. 
Tenth— Seth Clark, Geo. R. Yaw. 
Eleventh — N. K, Hopkins, J.. Crowder. 
Twelfth— L. P. Dayton, Peter Burgard. 
Thirteenth— Chr\sX.iz.n Klink, R. M. Taylor. 
President — Chai-les Beckwith. 
Clerk— ChAvles S. Macomber. 

1864. 

Mayor — Wm. G. Fargo. 
Comptroller — Ralph Courter. 
Treasurer — John Hanavan. 
Attorney — Chas. Beckwith. 
Surveyor — F. F. Curry. 
Street Commissioner — James O'Brian. 
Superintendent of Shoots — H. D. Garvin. 
Police Justice— yf. H. Albro. 



WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— D. Fitzgerald, P. Walsh. 
Second— P. S. Marsh, G. B. Gates. 
Third— Alex. Brush, Wm. P. Moores. , 

Fourth— Geo. Fisher, Richard Flach. 
Fifth— Henrj Nauert, E. Ambrose. 
Sixth — P. Goembel, J. Scheu. 
Seventh — J. L. Haberstro, Thos. Clark, 
Eighth— Geo. Bamler, H. C. Persch. 
Mnth—J. D. Sawyer, W. I. Mills. 
Tenth— Geo. R. Yaw, Seth Clark. 
Eleventh — Jno. Auchinvole, N. K. Hopkins. 
Twelfth-Peter Burgard, L. P. Dayton. 
Thirteenth— An gns McPherson, C. Klink. 
President — Lewis P. Dayton, 
Clerk— Chas. S. Macomber. 

1865. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— D. Fitzgerald, James Ryan. 
Second— P. S. Marsh, Jonathan S. Buell. 
Third— Alex. Brush, Wm. P. Moores. 
Fourth— Geo. Fisher, Richard Flach. 
Fifth— Henrj Nauert, B. Ambrose.* 
Sixth— Paxil Goembel, J. H. Pfohl. 
Seventh— J. L. Haberstro, Thomas Clark.t 
Eighth— Geo. J. Bamler, Jno. P. O'Brian. 
Ninth-J. D. Sawver, W. I. Mills. % 
Tenth— G. R. Yaw, W. C. Bryant. 
Eleventh— John Auchinvole, N. K. Hopkins. 
Twelfth— P. Burgard, H. A. Schwartz. 
Thirteenth— A. McPhirson, John Kelly. 
President — Nelson K.Hopkins. 
Clerk— Charles S. Macomber. 

1866. 

Mayor— Chan&ler J. Wells. 
Comptroller — Wm. F. Rogers. 
Treasurer— Joseph Churchyard. 
Attorney— Geo. S. Wardwell. 
Surveyor — John A. Ditto. 
Street Commissioner— Jeremiah Mahony. 
Superintendent of Schools — John S. Fosdick. 
Police Justice — W. H. Albro. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First — James Ryan, Thomas Whalen. 
Second— J. S. Buell. § P. S. Marsh.H 
Third— "^^m. P. Moores, Alex. Brush. 
Fourth— P.. Flach, Jacob Beyer. 
Fifth— J. H. Shepard, August Hagar. 
Sixth— J. H. Phohl, Solomon Scheu. 
Seventh — Geo. J. Buchheit, J. L. Haberstro. 
Eighth— J. P. O'Brian, G. J. Bamler. 
Ninth — S. S. Guthrie, Henry Morse. 
Tenth— W. C. Bryant. Geo. R. Yaw.t 
Eleventli-'H . K. Hopkins,** J. Auchinvole. 
Twelfth — H. A. Schwartz. John Glassar. 
Thirteenth — John Kelly, Jr., A. McPherson. 
President — Joseph L. Haberstro. 
Clerk— Charles S. Macomber. 

* Resigned, Oct. 2.3d. 

t Resigned, Oct. 23d, and Geo. J. Buchheit 
elected to fill the vacancy. 

X Resigned Oct. 16th, and S. S. Guthrie 
elected to fill the vacancy. 

§ Resigned, April 28d, to assume the duties 
of Police Commissioner. 

II Resigned, Oct. 1st, and Joel Wheeler 
elected to the vacancy. 

If Resigned, Sept. 24th, and John Walls 
elected to the vacancy. 

** Resigned, Oct. 16. 

These are the first vacancies that were ever 
caused in the council. 



145 



1867. 
Police Justice— lsa.-AC Vanderpoel. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— Thomas Whalen. James Ryan.* 
Second — Joel Wheeler, John Pierce. 
T7lird—A]i-x. Brush, J. A. B. Ciimpbell. 
Fourth — Jacob Beyer, A. Stettenbenz. 
F'ifth-Aiv^vist Hag;ir. J H. Shepard. 
Sixth — Solomon Scheu, Felix Bieger. 
Seventh— J. L. Haberstro, G. J. Buchheit. 
Eighth — G. J. Bamler. Edward Madden. 
Nwth—'Henry Morse, S. S. Guthrie. 
Tenth-John Walls, W. C. Bryant. 
EterentJi—S no. Auchinvole, N. B. Hoyt. 
Tweljth — Jno. Glassar. J. W. Parsons. 
Thirteenth— A. McPherson, J. Kelly, Jr. 
President — William C. Bryant. 
Clerk — J. D. H. Chamberlain. 

1868. 
Mayor — William F. Rogers. 
Comptroller— B.. D. Ford. 
Treasurer — Joseph L. Haberstro. 
Attorney— T)d\\i\ F. Day. 
Suiv yor — Geoige Vom Berge. 
St^-eet Commissioner — AU-xander Brush. 
Superintendent of Schools — Samuel Slade. 
Police Justice — Isaac Vanderpoel. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— ^Avi'^rA Byrnes, George Chambers. 
Second— 'W. B. Smith. John Pierce, 
Third— Z. G. Allen, J. A. B. Campbell. 
Fourth — Frank Colliaon, A. Stettenbenz. 
Fifth-'P. Rechtenwalt,t J. H. Shepard. 
Sixth — Paul Goembel, Felix Bieger. 
Seventh— John Gisel, G. J. Buchheit. 
Eighth— John Sheehan, Edward Madden. 
Ninth— B-enry Morse, S. S. Guthrie. 
Tenth— T). C Beard, W. C. Bryant. 
Eleventh-John Auchinvole, N. B. Hoyt. 
Twelfth-John Ambrose, J. W. Parsons. 
Thirteenth— A. McPherson, J. Kelly, Jr. 
President — Paul Goembel. 
Clerk — Charles S. Macomber. 

1869. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— EAwd. Byrnes, George Chambers. 
Second — W. B. Smith. John Pierce. 
Third— Z. G. Allen, G. G. Newman. 
Fourth— F. Colligon, P. P. Miller. 
Fifth — Ch;irles Saner. John Dietzer. 
Sixth— P. Goembel, Henry Dilcher. 
Seventh— John Gisel, Donald B;iin. 
Eighth — .lohn Sheehan, Michael Keenan. 
Ninth — Henry Morse, James Van Buren. 
Tenih^D. C. Beard, Robert Carmichael. 
Eleventh— John Auchinvole. E. S. Hawley. 
Twelfth— John Ambrose, Elisha Safford. 
Thirteenth — A. McPherson, George Orr. 
President— John Auchinvole. 
Clerk— George S. Wardwell. 

1870. 
Mayor — Alexander Brush. 
Comptroller— R. I). Ford. 
Treasurer — J. L. Haberstro. 
Aftorney-Beniamin H. Williams. 
Surveyor— John A. Ditto. 
Street Commissioner — George W. Gillespie. 
Superintendent of Schools— Thos. Lothrop. 
Police Justice— Isaac Vanderpoel. 

♦Resigned, Oct. 21, and George Chambers 
elected to the vacancy. 

+ Died September 22, and this was the iirst 
Tacancy in the Council by death. 

11 



WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

i^Vrs^— George Chambers, Wm. B. Smith. 
Second — John Pierce, John Booth. 
Third— George G. Newman, S. G. Peters. 
Fourth— P. P. Miller, Edward Storck. 
Fifth— John Dietzer, Charles Groben. 
Sixth — Henry Dilcher, Michael Lang. 
Seventh — Donald Bain, John Werrick. 
Eighth — John Sheehan, M, Keenan. 
Ninth — Henry Morse. Frank A. Sears. 
Tenth— D. C. Beard, Lewis M. Evans. 
Eleventh— John Auchinvole, Jacob Scheu. 
Twelfth— John Ambrose, 1. 1. Van Allen. 
Thirteenth— .\. McPherson, A. T. Patchin. 
President— John Pierce. 
Clerk — George S. Wardwell. 

1871. 
Police Justice— OVivev J. Eggert. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— W. B. Smith, Patrick Walsh. 
Second — John Booth, John Pierce. 
Third— S. G. Peters, John Kelly, Jr. 
Fourth-'E. Storck, W. S. Ovens, 
i^'j/'if/i— Charles Groben, Joseph Bork. 
Sixth— M. Lang, J. H. Fischer. 
Seventh — John Werrick. George Rochevot. 
Eighth — John Sheehan, Daniel Cruice. 
Nifdh — Frank A. Sears, James Van Buren. 
Tenth— h. M. Evans, R. Carmichael. 
Eleventh — J. Scheu, George W. Zink. 
Twelfth— I. I. Van Allen, C. L. Dayton. 
Thirteenth— A. T. Patchin, William Dawes. 
President — John Sheehan. 
Clerk— Thomas R. Clinton. 

1872. 
Mayor — Alexander Brush. 
ComptroUei — Lewis M. Evans. 
Treasurer— J ose\)h Bork. 
Attorney — Frank R. Perkins. 
Surveyor — John A. Ditto. 
Street Commission ei — James Franklin. 
Superintendent of Schools — Josephus N. 
Larned. 
Police Justice — D. D. Nash. 

WARDS. ALDERMElT. 

First— John Doyle, Patrick Walsh. 
Second — Benj. Dickey, John Pierce. 
Third — J. A. Seymour, John Kelly, Jr. 
Fourth— F. Storck, L. P. Reichert. 
Fifth— Vvan'k. Sipp, Joseph Bork. 
Sixth— Jacoh Bott, J. H. Fischer. 
Seventh— J. P. Einsfeld, George Rochevot. 
Eighth — M. Keenan, Daniel Cruice. 
Ninth — F. A. Sears, James Van Buren. 
Tenth — Joseph Churchyard, R. Carmichael. 
Eleventh — Wm. Baynes, George W. Zink. 
Twe'fth— John Frank, C. L. Dayton. 
Thirteenth — A. B. Angus, A. Prenatt. 
President — Edward Storck. 
CTerA— Walter C. Winship. 

1873. 

WARDS. ALDERMEN. 

First— John Doyle, Timothy Cotter. 
Second — Benj. Dickey, Ellis Webster. 
Third— J. A. Seymour, J. W. Dennis. 
Fourth— Louis Herman, L. P. Reichert. 
Fifth— Frank Sipp, William Henrich. 
Sixth— Jacob Bott, J. H. Fischer. 
Seventh— J. P. Einsfeld, Geo. Reinheimer. 
Eighth— M. Keenan, Charles Jessamin. 
Ninth— F. A. Sears, James Van Buren. 
Tenth— J. Churchyard, R. Carmichael. 



146 



Eleventh— Wm. Baynes, Archibald McLeish. 
Twelfth— 3 ohn Frank, Christopher Laible. 
Thirteenth— 3 . 3. Weber, A. Prenatt. 
President — Frank A. Sears. 
CTerA— Walter C. Winship. 

1874. 

Mayor— hBVfis P. Dayton. 
Comptroller — Thomas R. Clinton. 
Treasurer — Joseph Bork. 
Attorney— VvKtik R. Perkins. 
Surveyor— Geov^e E. Mann. 
Street Comrmssioner — A. Stettenbenz. 
Superintendent of iSc/joofe— William S. Eice. 
Police Justice — D. D. Nash. 

WAEDS. ALDERMEN. 

i?'tr«!!— Timothy Cotter, John Doyle. 
Second— 'EMi% Webster, Benjamin Dickey. 
Third— 3. W. Dennis, J. N. Mileham. 
Fourth— 1,. P. Reichert, G. F. Zeller. 
^^/■<A— William Henrich, C. P. Drescher. 
Sixth — J. H. Fischer, Joseph Jerge. 
Seventh — Geo. Reinheimer, J. P. Einsfeld. 
Eighth — Charles Jessamin, Joseph Galley. 
Ninth — James Van Buren, N. C. Simons. 
Tenth — R. Carmichael, P. J. Ferris. 
Eleventh— K. McLeish, George W. Zink. 
Ttuelfth — Christian Laible, 1. I. Van Allen. 
Thirteenth — A. Prenatt. N. H. Lee. 
Presedeni— Benjamin Dickey. 
CZerA;— Walter C. Winship. 

1875. 
Police jMsiiofi— Thomas S. King. 

WARDS. AiDEEMBN. 

First — John Doyle, John Hanavan. 
Second — Benjamin Dickey, Wm. V. Woods. 
Third— 3. N. Mileham, Michael Danahy. 
Fourth— G. P. Zeller, Charles Persons. 
Fifth— C. P. Drescher, B. Ambrose. 
SixPi — Joseph Jerge, Jacob Heimenz. 
Seventh— 3. P. Einsfeld, J. C. Weber. 
Eighth— 3 os>eph Galley, Michael Keenan. 
Ninth — N. C. Simons, C. D. Simpson. 
Tenth— P. 3. Ferris, M. Nichols. 
Eleventh— Geo. W. Zink, John Auchinvole. 
Twelfth— I. I. Van Allen, William Farmer. 
Thii'teenth—H. H. Lee, Charles Dickman. 
President — Elijah Ambrose. 
Clerk— B.. D. Ford. 

1876. 

Mayor — Philip Becker. 

Comptroller— Le-wis M. Evans. 

Treasurer — Henry D. Keller. 

Attorney — John B. Greene. 

Engineer — George E. Mann. 

Street Com.rmssioner — Charles Jessemin. 

Assessors— 0\\\&c G. Steele, Jr., John Zoll, 
John C. Sheehan, 

Superintendent of Education— Wm.. S. Rice. 

Overseer of the Poor — John C. Level. 

Police Justice— ThomA-i S. King. 

Justices of the Peace— Geo. G. Newman, W. 
H. Albro, Frederick Rickert, John O'Brian. 

■WAEDS. AXDEBMEN. 

First— 3ohTX Hanavan, John White. 
Second— Wm. V. Woods, A. L. Lothridge. 
T/tiT-c?— Michael Danahy, Alfred H. Neal. 
Fourth — Charles Person, Asaph S. Bemis. 
Fifth — Elijah Ambrose, Jacob Benzinger. 
Sixth — Jacob Hiemenz, Henry J. Baker. 
Seventh— Sohn C. Weber, Donald Bain. 



Eighth— Wich^Lel Keenan, John Pfeil. 

Ninth — Clarence D. Simpson, N. C. Simons. 

Tenth— Mevvitt Nichols, Peter J. Ferris. 

Eleventh— 3 ohn Auchinvole, Chris. Smith. 

Twelfth— Wm. Farmer, Isaac I. Van Allen. 

Thirteenth — Chas. Dickman, M. Shannon. 

President — Asaph S. Bemis. 

Clerk — Rensselaer D. Ford. 

Depiity Clerk — Timothy W. Crowley. 

Messenger — George Frederick Bender. 

Sergeant-at-Arms — John Long. 

Commissioner of Public Buildings— Wm. 
Henrich. 

Auditor — Robert Hollister. 

Superintendent of Fire — Thomas B. French. 
Louis Hermann, 1st Assistant ; George W. 
Hibsch, 2d Assistant. 

Clerk of the Markets— 3ohn Mahony. 

Sealers of Weights and Measures — George 
N. Brown, William Ferris, Peter Funk. 

Harbor Masters— Samuel Eldridge, Hawley 
Klein, John Connell. 

Pound Keeper — Anthony Canfleld ; Henry 
P. Gale, Assistant. 

Park Keepers — Philip J. Murphy, Court 
House Parli ; Andrew Mahony, Johnson Park; 
Jacob Fisher, Heacock Park : John Batch, B. 
G., North Street. 

Porters of Markets — Edward Toumey, Elk 
Street ; John Gibson, Assistant. Henry Stew- 
art, Washington Street ; John Wander, As 
sistant. Anthony Brosso, Clinton Street. 

Inspector of Oils — John Codling. 

Inspector of Dredges — Wm. T. McCormick. 

Bridge Tewc^ers— Michigan Street — William 
Ring, Martin Bahen, Patrick Doyle, Dennis 
O'Brian. Ohio Street— Patrick Mahony, Pat- 
rick Kennedy. 

Jubilee Water Commissioners— V\ii\v^ Fre- 
denburg, P. J. Meyer, Matthias Soomers. 

Sexton — Francis J. Kraft. 

Scavenger — John Peters. 

Board of Health— As&ph S. Bemis, Presi- 
dent Common Council ; Lewis M. Evans, 
Comptroller ; George E. Mann, Engineer. 

Health Physician— E. C. W. O'Brien, M. D. 

DIST. DISTRICT HEALTH PHYSICIANS. 

i^irsi— Stephen S. Green, M. D. 
Second— Edward N. Brush, M. D. 
7'A*rc^--Bernard Bartow, M. D. 
Fourth— S. G. Dorr, M. D. 
J"*m— Francis A. Burghart, M. D. 
Sixth— 3. C. Elliott, M. D. 
Seventh— W. C. Earl, M. D. 
Eighth— W\\\ia,m H. Slacer, M. D. 

Street and Health Inspectors— Mich.a.el Shin- 
zius, 1st Ward, Badge No. 1 ; William Tag- 
gert, 2d Ward, Badge No. 2 ; Hugh Mooney, 3d 
and 13th Wards, Badge No. 3 ; Carl Hornung, 
4th Ward, Badge No. 4; John Quattlander, 
5th Ward, Badge No. 5 ; Philip D. Baetz, 6th 
Ward, Badge No. 6 ; Jacob Croesmen, 7th and 
12th Wards, Badge No. 7 ; John O'Connell, 
8th Ward, Badge^No. 8; Job King, 9th and 
10th Wards, Badge No. 9 ; Henry Lickert, 
11th and 12th Wards, Badge No. 10. 

Board of Water Commissioners— George B. 
Gates, George Truscott, Edwin Hurlbert. 



147 



Board of Police Commissioners — Philip 
Beclter, Mayor, ex oflScio ; John Pierce, Jacob 
Beyer. 

Superintendent— John Byrne. 

Surgeon— Jiyron H. Daggett, M. D. 

City and County Hall Co?7imissioners— Geo. 
S. Wardwell, Chairman; James Adams, Den- 
nis Bo wen, Philip Becker, Albert P. Laning, 
John Nice, Allen Potter, George W. Hayward, 
Jasper B. Youngs. Clerk, A. P. Mason. 

Commissioners for Care of City and County 
Hall — His Honor the Mayor, the Comptroller, 
the Chairman of Board of Supervisors. 



Park Commissioners— B.is Honor the Mayor, 
Pascal P. Pratt, Edward Bennett, Britton 
Holmes, Cooley S. Chapin, Edwin T. Evans. 
Patrick Smith, Joseph L. Fairchild, Dennis 
Bowen, Joseph Bork, Sherman S. Jewett, 
Michael Mesmer, DeWitt C. Weed, Joseph 
Warren, Daniel D. Harnett, Augustus Fuchs. 

President — Pascal P. Pratt. 

Secretary and Treasurer — Wm. P. Rogers. 

Consulting Landscape Architect— FreAeYia 
Law Olmsted. 

General Superintendent— yfiWi&vo. McMillan. 



SUPERIOR COURT. 



By an Act of the Legislature passed in 1839 a Recorder's Court was created 
for the city of Buflfalo, and the appointment of the Recorder was vested in 
the Governor. The term of otfice was four years, and it was held by Horatio 
J. Stow from 1840 to 1844; Henry K. Smith from 1844 to 1848. * 

By the Constitution adopted in 1846, the office was made elective by the 
people, under which it was held by Joseph G. Masten from 1848 to 1852 ; 
George W. Houghton from 1853 to 1854. 

An act was passed in 1854 by which the Court was reorganized and merged 
into the present Superior Court with three judges, whose term of oiRce was 
fixed at six years. Provision was also made that the incumbent of the office 
of Recorder at the time of the reorganization, should serve as one of the 
Judges of the Superior Court for the remaining portion of the term for -which 
he had been elected. Recorder Houghton was therefore under this arrange- 
ment entitled to serve two years as judge of the new court. 

At the first election under the new law George W. Clinton and Isaac A.Ver- 
planck were chosen as the other judges, and upon casting lots for the long and 
short terms, Judge Clinton secured the full term of six years, and Judge Ver- 
planck that of four years. The judges of the reorganized court have been: 



George W. Houghton 1854 to 1856 

1. A. Verplanck 1854 " 1858 

George W. Clinton 1854 " 1860 

Joseph G. Masten 1856 " 1862 

I. A. Verplanck 1858 " 1864 

George W. Clinton 1860 " 1866 

Joseph G. Masten 1862 " 1868 

I. A. Verplanck 1864 " 1870 



George W. Clinton 1866 to 1872 

Joseph G. Masten 1868 " 1871 

James M. Humphrey 1871 

James Sheldon 1872 

I. A. Verplanck 1870 

James M. Smith 1873 

James M. Smith 1874 

George W. Clinton 1872 



1872 



1873 
1874 



Judge Masten died in the spring of 1871, after serving- two terms and a half, 
or fifteen years, and James M. Humphrey was appointed by Gov. Hoffman to 
fill the vacancy. At the succeeding election in November, 1871, James Shel- 
don was elected as the successor of Mr. Humphrey. 

Judge Verplanck died in the spring of 1873, after serving two full terras 
and two fractional terms, or a little more than eighteen years, and James M. 
Smith was appointed to the vacancy by Gov. Dix. At the succeeding election 
in November, 1878, Judge Smith was chosen his own successor. 



148 

By the constitutional amendments of 1870 the term of office was extended 
to fourteen years, and it is also provided that the judges shall be elected for 
the full term of fourteen years, whether chosen to fill a vacancy or other- 
wise. Instead, therefore, of Judges Sheldon and Smith being now serving 
out the unexpired terms of Judges Masten and Verplanck, they will hold for 
the full term of fourteen years from the date of their election. The present 
terms of Judges Clinton and Sheldon will expire December 31, 1886, and that 
of Judge Smith December 31, 1888. 

The clerks of the Court have been : 



M. Cadwallader 1839 to 1844 

Nelson Ford 1844 " 1846 

C. M. Cooper 1846 " 1848 

William Davis 1848 " 1851 

Jared S. Torrance 1851 " 1856 



Dyre Tillinghast 1856 to 1863 

Thomas M. Foote 1862 " 1863 

Amos A. Blanchard 1863 " 1875 

John C. Graves ' 1875 



CIVIL LIST OF ERIE COUNTY. 



Buffalo was the county seat of Niagara county from its organization in 1808 
to 1821, when Erie county was created from portions of the former county. 
Below will be found a list of the names of persons who have held the princi- 
pal offices in the original county of Niagara and the county of Erie, since its 
organization : 



1808. 

Judge— Aagnstns Porter. 
Sheriff— ksii Ransom. 
Clerk — Louis Le Couteulx. 
Attorney — Wm. Stuai't. 
Surrogate — Archibald S. Clarke. 

1809. 

Judge — Augustus Porter. 
/SAe/^'i^f— Asa Ransom. 
Clerk — Louis Le Couteulx. 
Attorney — Wm. Stuart. 
Surrogate— A. S. Clarke. 

1810. 

Judge — Augustus Porter. 
Sheriff— Qaxanel Pratt, Jr. 
Cleri — Juba Storrs. 
Attorney — Daniel W. Lewis. 
Surrogate — A. S. Clarke. 

1811. 

Judge — Augustus Porter. 
Sheriff— A&a Ransom. 
Clerk— -honis Le Couteulx. 
Attorney — Wm. Stuart. 
Surrogate — A. S. Clarke. 

1812. 

i/mg?!7«— Samuel Tupper. 
Sheriff— Asa. Ransom. 
Clei/c — Louis Le Couteulx. 
Attorney — Wm. Stuart. 
Surrogate— Oiis R. Hopkins. 



1813. 

Judge — Samuel Tupper. 

Sheriffs — Nathaniel Sill, Cyrenius Chapin. 

Clerk — Zenas Earlier. 

Attorney — Vincent Matthev^s. 

Surrogate — Amos Callender. 

1814. 

Jwf^p'e— Samuel Tupper. 
Sheriff—Asa, Ransom. 
Clerk — Zenas Barker. 
Attorney— Yincent Matthews, 
Surrogate — Amos Callender. 

1815. 

Judge— 8?ixa\xe\ Tupper. 
Sheriff— Asa. Ransom. 
Clerk— A. J. Clarke. 
Attorney— T>3.me\ Cruger. 
Surrogate— WoBnBz&c Johnson. 

1816. 

jMC^j/e— Samuel Tupper. 
Sheriff— As-a. Ransom. 
Clerk— ¥re&. E. Merrill. 
Attorney— 3 . C. Spencer. 
Surrogate — Ebenezer Johnson.' 

1817. 

Jiidce— Samuel Tupper. 
Sheriff— Asa. Ransom. 
Clerk— v. B. Merrill. 
Attorney— 3. C. Spencer. 
Surrogate — E. Johnson. 



149 



1818. 

Judffe—WiWmm Hotchkiss. 
Sherif^James Cronk. 
Clerk— F. E. Merrill. 
Attorney— Chun. G. Olmstead. 
Surroc/ate — E. Johnson. 

1819. 

Judge — Wm. Hotchkiss. 
Sheriff'— James Cronk. 
Clerk— John E. Marshall. 
Attorney — Heman B. Potter. 
Surrogate — E. Johnson. 

1820. 

Judge— ^-Am-ael Wilkeson. 
Sheriff — James Cronk. 
Chrk—J. E. Marshall. 
Attorney— Hemixn B. Potter. 
Surrogate — E. Johnson. 

1821. 

Judge — Samuel Wilkeson. 

Meri^f— Almond H. Millard. 

Clerks — Jas. L. Barton, Oliver Grace. 

Attorney — Heman B. Potter. 

Surrogates — Roswell Chapia and Rufus 
Spaulding. 

The foregoing were ofiScers of Niagara 
county before Its division and the formation 
of Erie. 

1822. 
Judge — Samuel Wilkeson. 
Sheriff^John G. Camp. 
Clerk — James L. Barton. 
Attornmi — H. B. Potter. 
Surrogate — Roswell Chapin. 

1'823. 

Judge — Ebenezer Walden. 
Sheriff— W^r&y S. Littlefleld. 
Clerk— J&coh A. Barker. 
Attornry—M. B. Potter. 
Surrogate— HoBy^'eM Chapin. 

1824. 

Judge— 'EhQTiBzev Walden. 
Sheriff— Wi-Ay S. Littlefleld. 
6'^erA;— Jacob A. Biirker. 
Attorney — H. B. Potter. 
(Swrrog'ate— Roswell Chapin. 

1825. 

Judge — E. Walden. 
Sheriff— Vfvi\y S. Littlefleld. 
Clerk — Jacob A. Baiker. 
Attorney— B.. B. Potter. 
Surrogate — Roswell Chapin. 

1826. 

Judge— F,. Walden. 
Sheriff^John G. Camp. 
Clerk — Jacob A. Barker. 
Attorn-y—B.. B. Potter. 
Surrogate — Roswell Chapin. 

1827. 
Judge — E. Walden. 
Sheriff— Joihw. G. Camp. 
Clerk — Jacob A. Barker. 
Attorney— U. B. Potter. 
Surrogate — Roswell Chapin. 



1828. 

Judge — Thomas C. Love. 
Sheriff— John G. Camp. 
Clei'k — J. A. Barker. 
Attorney — Heman B. Potter. 
Surrogate — Ebenezer Johnson. 

1829. 

Judge — Philander Bennett. 
Sheriff— L. Wasson. 
Wer/t— Elijah Leech. 
Aiiorney—Thos. C. Love. 
Surrogate — Ebenezer Johnson. 

1830. 

Judge — Philander Bennett. 
Sheriff— h. Wasson. 
Clerk— F.. Leech. 
Attorney — T. C. Love. 
Surrogate— F,. Johnson. 

1831. 

Jwcfg'e— Philander Bennett. 
Sheiff—Jj. V\asson. 
Clerk— &. Leech. 
Attorney— 1. C. Love. 
Surrogate — ^E. Johnson. 

1832. 

Judge — Philander Bennett. 
Sheriff— Qtn^hen Osborne. 
Clerk-'i^i. P. Sprague. 
Attorniy — Henry White. 
Surrogate— M.a,rtm Chittenden. 

1833. 

Judge — Philander Bennett. 
Sheriff— Stex)hen Osborne. 
Clerk— T^. P. Sprague, 
Attorney— Geo. P. Barker. 
Surrogate — Israel T. Hatch. 

1834. 

Judge — Philander Bennett. 
(S/jerijf— Stephen Osborne. 
Clerk — N. P. Sprague. 
Attorney — Geo. P. Barker. 
Surrogate— 1. T. Hatch. 

1835. 

jM(^g'«— Philander Bennett . 
Sliei'iff—l^estev Brace. 
Cie k — Horace Chirk. 
Attorney— Geo. P. Barker. 
Su rrogate—1. T. Hatch. 

1836. 

Judae — Philander Bennett. 
iS'^eri^f— Lester Brace. 
Clerk — Horace Clark. 
Attorney— Geo. P. Barker. 
Surrogate— S-dxanel Caldwell. 



1837. 

Judge — James Stryker. 
Sheriff— Lester Brace. 
Clerk — Horace Clark. '' 

Attorney — H. K. Smith. 
Surrogate — Samuel Caldwell. 



150 



1838. 

Judge — James Stryker. 
Sherif—ChiLS. P. Persons. 
Cleri — Cyrus K. Anderson. 
Attorney — H, K. Smith. 
Surrogate— Sumnel Caldwell. 

1839. 

Judge— James Stryker. 
Sheriff— C. P. Persons. 
Clerk— C. K. Anderson. 
Attnrney—U. K. Smith. 
Surrogate— SsLiauel Caldwell. 

1840. 

Judge— James Stryker. 
Shekf—Chas. P. Persons. 
Clerk — C. K. Anderson. 
Attorney — H. K. Smith. 
Surrogate— Samuel CaldweU. 

1841. 

Judge-TH. K. Hall. 
Sheriff— LoYen2,o Brown. 
Clei'k—'N. P. Sprague. 
Attorney — H. W. Rogers. 
Surj'ogate-Thos. C. Love. 

1842. 

Judge— 'N. K. Hall. 
Sherif—h. Brown. 
Clerk— N. P. Sprague. 
Attorney — H. W. Rogers. 
Surrogate— T^homas C. Love, 

1843. 

Judge— 'ii. K. Hall. 
Sheriff— h. Brown. 
Clerk — N. P. Sprague. 
Attorney — H. W. Rogers. 
S^irrog ate— Ttios. C. Love. 

1844. 
Judge— ^. K. Hall. 
Meri/T— Ralph Plumb. 
CTer/fc— Manly Colton. 
Attorneys. G. Haven. 
Surrogate — Thomas C. Love. 

1845. 

Judge— Yre^. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— RaX^h. Plumb. 
CTer^— Manly Colton. 
Attnrney — S. G. Haven. 
Surrogate — Peter M. Vosburgh. 

1846. 

Judge— "Wxe^. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— Ka\^\i Plumb. 
C?erA;— Manly Colton. 
Atlorney—(j. P. Barker. 
Surrogate— Ye%er M. Vosburgh. 

1847. 

Judge— v. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— T. A. Hopkins. 
Clerk — Moses Bristol. 
Aftorney—Gko. P. Barker. 
Surrogate — Peter M. Vosburgh. 



Judge — F. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— T. A. Hopkins. 
Clerk — Moses . Bristol. 
Attorney — B. H. Austin. 

* Treasurer — Christian Metz. 
Surrogatf. — Peter M. Vosburgh. 

1849. 

Judge — F. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— T. A. Hopkins. 
Clej'k — Moses Bristol. 
Attorney — B. H. Austin. 
Treasurer— C . Metz. 
Surrogate — Peter M. Vosburgh. 

1850. 
Judge — F. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— Levoy Farnham. 
Cleric— Wells Brooks. 
Attorney— B. H. Austin. 
Treasurer — C. Metz. 
Surrogate— Yeter M. Vosbui'gh. 

1851. 
Judge— F. P. Stevens. 
Sheriff— h. Farnham. 
Cleric— Wells Brooks. 
Attorney— 0. H. S. Williams. 
Treasurer— C. Metz, Jr. 
Surrogate— V . M. Vosburgh. 

1852. 
Judge — Jesse Walker. 
Sheriff— Leroy Farnham. 
CTe?*— Wells Brooks. 
Attorney— C. H S. Williams. 
Treasurer— C. Metz, Jr. 
Surrogate — Charles D. Norton. 

1853.' 
Judge — James Sheldon. 
/SAm^f— Joseph Candee. 
Clerk — William Andre. 
Attorney— John L. Talcott. 
Treasurer — Christian Metz, Jr. 
Sun'og ate— Charles D. Norton. 

1854. 
Judge— James Sheldon. 
/S'/iej'ijf— Joseph Candee. 
CTerA— William Andre. 
Attorney — Albert Sawin. 
Treasurer— James D. Warren. 
' /S'M/TOg'afe— Charles D. Norton. 

1855. 
Judge — James Sheldon. 
Mm^— Joseph Candee. 
Clerk — Willium Andre. 
Attorney — Albert Sawin. 
Treasurer — James D. Warren. 
Surrogate— Charles D. Norton. 

1856. 
J^(dge— James Sheldon. 
Sheriff— Orrin Lockwood. 
Clerk— P. M. Vosburgh. 
Attorney — Albert Sawin. 
Treasurer J. D. Warren. 
Surrogate — Abram Thorn. 

* Hitherto County Treasurers were 
pointed by the Board of Supervisors. 



151 



1857. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sheriff^Ovv'm. Lockwood. 
Cleric— P. M. Vosburgh. 
Attoraerj—3 . M. Humphrey. 
Treasurer — J. D. Warren. 
Surrogate— Kbrsxa. Thorn. 

1858. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sherif—Orrm Lockwood. 
Cleric— 7. M. Vosburgh. 
Attorney— 3. M. Humphrey. 
Treasurer — L. B. Smith. 
Surrogate— Khvwai Thorn. 

1859. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sheriff— G. A. Scroggs. 
CTerA — O. J. Greene. 
Attorney— S. M. Humphrey. 
Treasurer— \-i. B. Smith. 
Surrogate — Abram Thorn. 

I860. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sheriff— Q. A. Scroggs. 
Cleric— O. J. Greene. 
Attorney— 'F. 3. Fithian. 
Treasurer — L. B. Smith. 
Surrogate — Charles C. Severance. 

1861. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sheriff— G. A. Scroggs. 
Clerk — O. J. Greene. 
Attorney— F. 3. Fithian. 
Treasurer — Norman B. McNeal. 
Surrogate— C. C. Severance.- 

1863. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sherif—B.. H. Best. 
Clerk— C. E. Durkee. 
Attorney— F. 3. Fithian. 
Treasurer — N. B. McNeal. 
Surrogate — C. C. Severance. 

1863. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sherif—Fl. H. Best. 
GUr1c—G. R. Durkee. 
Attorney— C C. Torrance. 
Treasurer — N. B. McNeal. 
Surrogate— C. C. Severance. 

1864. 

Judge — James Sheldon. 
Sheriff— B,. H. Best. 
Clerk— C. R. Durkee. 
Attorney — C. C. Torrance. 
Treasurer — Francis C. Brunck. 
Surrogate — Jonathan Hascall. 

1865. 

./MC^g'e— Stephen Lockwood. 
Sheriff— O. 3. Eggert. 
Clerk— L. P. Dayton. 
Attorney — C. C. Torrance. 
Treasurer — Francis C. Brunck, 
Surrogate— 3 on&,W\&n Hascall. 



1866. 

t/w(2^5'«— Stephen Lockwood. 
Sheriff— O. 3. Eggert. 
Clerk— Ij. p. Dayton. 
Attorney — L. K. Bass. 
Treastirer — Francis C. Brunck. 
Surrogate — Jonathan Hascall. 

1867. 

tTwc^f/e— Stephen Lockwood. 
Sheriff— O. 3. Eggert. 
Clerk-L. P. Dayton. 
Attorney — L. K. Bass. 
Treasurer— C. R. Durkee. 
Surrogate — Jonathan Hascall. 



jMcZg'e— Stephen Lockwood. 
yS/imj/'— Charles Darcy. 
Clerk — John H. Andrus. ' 
Attorney — Ljman K. Bass. 
Treasurer— C. R. Durkee. 
;S'M?'rog'ai!«— Horatio Seymour. 

1869. 
Judge — R. L. Burrows. 
(S/iecJ^— Charles Darcy. 
<7/e?'^— John H. Andrus. 
Attorney— Ij. K., Bass, 
Treasurer — C. R. Durkee. 
Surrogate — Horatio Seymour. 

1870. 

Judge — R. L. Burrows. 
Sheriff— Ch.2x\e:B Darcy. 
Clerk — John H. Andrus. 
Attorney— L. K. Bass. 
Treasurer — William B. Sirret. 
Surrogate — Horatio Seymour. 

1871. 

Judge— B. L. Burrows. 
Sheriff— Grover Cleveland. 
Clerk— 3. H. Fisher. 
Attorney— L. K. Bass. 
Treasurer — W. B. Sirret. 
Surrogate — Horatio Seymour. 

1872. 

Judge— 'R. L. Burrows. 
Sheriff— Grover Cleveland. 
Clerk— 3ames H. Fisher. 
Attorney— Beniamm H, Williams. 
Treasurer— W . B. Sirret. 
Surrogate— Z. Ferris. 

1873. 

Judge — Albert Haight. 
Sheriff— Grover Cleveland. 
Cler'k—3. H. Fisher. 
Attortiey-B. H. Williams. 
Treasurer — W. B. Sirret. 
Surrogate— Z. Ferris. 

1874. 

Judge— Albert Haight. 
Sheriff— 3ohn B. Weber. 
Clerk— George L. Remington. 
Attorney— B. H. Williams. 
Treasurer— W. B. Sirret. 
Surrogate— Z. Ferris. 



152 



1875. 
Judge— Albert Haisht. 
Sheriff— John B. Weber. 
Cler^ — G. L. Remington. 
Attorney— DslukI N. Lockwood. 
Treasurer— W. B. Sirret. 
Surrogate— Z. Ferris. 

1876. 

Judge — Albert Haight. 

Session Justices-George W. Nichols, Fred- 
erick Gundlach. 

Shenff— John B. Weber. 

Clerk— G. L. Remington. 

Attorney — D. N. Lockwood. 

Treasurer — W. B. Sirret. 

Surrogate — Z. Ferris. 

Coroners— J . C. Almendinger, Epenetus H. 
Davis, William Bacon, Watson H. Curtis. 

School Commissioners — 1st Dist.. A. McCnl- 
len Ball; 2d Dist., George W. Holmes; .3d 
Dist., Mark Whiting. 



SUPERVISORS. 

WARDS. THE CITY. 

First— Ja.mes Manaher, John Norris. 
Second— John M. Comstock, E. R. Saxtou. 
Third— B. W. Evans, W. W. Buftum. 
Fourth— C. F. Meiisch, Eug. Bertrand, Jr. 
Fifth— Veter P. Lawson, Louis Fritz. 
Sixth— Micha.e\ Loebig, Sebastian Elser. 
Seventh — J. P. Bi-aner, George Baer. 
Eighth— Timoihy Lyons, James Nunan. 
Ninth — Frederick Busch, Eiirl D. Berry. 
Tenth— hn\os B. Tanner, Louis P Beyer. 
Eleventh— D. Gazlay, Thomas Prowett. 
Twelfth— Veter Glor, Jr., Leonard Eley. 
Thirteenth— ^AvidLvA Corriston. 



THE TOWNS. 

Alden—lj. W. Cornwell. 
Amherst— John Schoelles. 
Aurora— Lyman Coiiiwell. 
Brant— W. W. Hammond. 
Boston— A. K. Woodward. 
Cla7^ence— John Krauss. 
Collins — William A. Johnson. 
Cheektowaga—P. Winspear. 
Co Wen— Richard E. Bowen. 
Cot? C'/rc/— Henry Blackmer. 
Fvans-'D'dYU] C. Oatmau. 
Eden— J. H. Lord, 
^'/ma— William Winspear. 
East Hamburgh— YvAn^ M. Thorn. 
Grand Island— C Spolir. 
Hamburgh— H. W. White. 
Holland— Homer Morey. 
Lancaster — N. B. Gatchell. 
llarilla—Unsse] D. Smith. 
North Collins — James Matthews. 
Newstead—W . T. MagoflBn. 
Sardinia— AAdi^on Wheelock, 
West Seneca— Yictor Irr. 
Tonawanda—Ph\\ii:> Wendell. 
Wales— Lha.rles N. Brayton. 



ERIE COUNTY PENITENTIARY, 

Commissioners— W . Harrington, Henry At- 
wood, Frederick Miller. 
Superintendent— WilWam Weston. 
Deputy Superintendent — David Huff. 
Physician— B.. L. Atwood, M. D. 

Keeper of County Almshouse — Charles A. 
Loeberick. 
Physician — J. J. Walsh, M. D. 



EIGHTY YEARS IN CONGRESS. 

The following table will show the representation of Western New York 
and Erie county from the Fifth to the Forty-fourth Congress, inclusive. In the 
First, Second, Third and Fourth Congresses, the county was in a District which 
was not numbered, but embraced the region then known as Albany, Herkimer, 
Montgomery, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, and Tioga counties. In 1797 the 
counties of Cayuga, Onondaga, Ontario, Steuben and Tioga, were constituted 
the Tenth Congressional District of New York, and from that time the repre- 
sentatives were : 



1797-9. Hezekiah L. Hosmer, 5th Congress. 

1799-1801. Wm. Cooper, 6th Congress. 

1801-3. Thomas Morris, 7th Congress. 

In 1802 Cayuga. Genesee, Ontario and 
Steuben counties were constituted 
the 16th Congressional District, and 
the representatives were : 

1803-5. Oliver Phelps, 8th Congress. 



1805-7. Silas Halsey, 9th Congress. 

1807-9. John Hariis, 10th Congress. 

In 1808 Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chau- 
tauqua, Geliesee, Niagara and Onta- 
rio were constituted the loth Con- 
gressional District, and was repre- 
sented by: 

1809-11. Gen. Peter B. Porter, 11th Congress. 



153 



1811-13. Gen. Peter B. Porter, 12th Congress. 
In 1813 the territory which now em- 
braces Allegany, Chautauqua, Cat- 
taraugus, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, 
Monroe, Niagara and Ontario coun- 
ties was made the 21st Congres- 
sional District, with two represen- 
tives, and they were: 

1813-15. Samuel M. Hopkins, Nathaniel How- 
ell, 13th Congress. 

1815-17. Micah Brooks, Peter B. Porter, 14th 
Congress. 
Gen. Porterresigned in 1816 and Arch- 
ibald S. Clarke was elected to fill 
vacancy. 

1817-19. Benjamin Ellicott, John C. Spencer, 
15th Congress. 

1819-31. Nathaniel Allen, Albert H. Tracy, 
16th Congress. 

1821-33. Wm. B. Rochester, Albert H. Tracy, 
17th < ongress. 
Erie county was erected in 1821, and 
in 1822 Chautauqua, Erie and Niag- 
ara were constituted tlie 30th Con- 
gressional District, with one repre- 
sentative, and the members have 
been: 

1823-25. Albei't H. Tracy, 18th Congress. 

1825-27. Daniel G. Garnsey, 19th Congress. 

1827-29. Daniel G. Garnsey, 20th Congress. 



1829-31 
1831-33, 



1833-35. 
1835-37, 
1837-39 
1839-41 
1841^3, 
1843-45. 
1845-47, 
1847-49. 
1849-51, 
1851-53. 
1853-.55, 
1855-57, 
1857-59. 
18.59-61, 
1861-63, 



1863-65, 
1865-67, 
1867-69, 
1869-71. 
1871-73. 
1873-75, 

1875-77, 



Ebenezer P. Norton, 21st Congress. 

Bates Cook, 22d Congress. 
In 1833 Erie county was made the 32d 
Congressional District, and has been 
represented by: 

Millard Fillmore, 33d Congress. 

Thomas C. Love, 34th Congress. 

Millard Fillmore, 25th Congress. 

Millard Fillmore, 36th Congress. 

Millard Fillmore, 37th Congress: 

Wm. A. Moseley, 38th Congress. 

Wm. A. Moseley, 29th Congress. 

Nathan K. Hall, 30th Congress. 

E. G. Spaulding, 31st Congress. 

Solomon G. Haven, .33d Congress. 

Solomon G. Haven, 33d Congress. 

Solomon G. Haven, 34th Congress. 

Israel T. Hatch, 35th Congress. 

E. G. Spaulding, 36th Congress. 

E. G. Spaulding, 37th Congress. 
In 1863 Erie county was made the 30th 
District. 

John Ganson, 38th Congress. 

James M. Humphrey, 39th Congress. 

James M. Humphrey, 40th Congress. 

David S. Bennett, 41st Congress. 

William Williams, 43d Congress. 

Lyman K. Bass, 43d Congress. 
In 1873 it was made the 33d District. 

Lyman K. Bass, 44th Congress. 



THE SENATE. 



Until the adoption of the Constitution of 1821 the State was divide«J into 
the Eastern, Middle, Southern and Western Senatorial Districts, with a num- 
ber of senators in each, there being ten allotted to the Western District. The 
first senator hailing from what may be called the western part of the State, 
was Vincent Matthews, of Elmira, then in Tioga county, who was one of the 
ten from the Western District, and a member from 1791 to 1803. Then fol- 
lowed Lemuel Chipman from Wayne county, 1802 to 1805 ; Alexander Eea, 
Genesee county, 1808 to 1811 ; Archibald S. Clarke, Cattaraugus, 1813 to 1816; 
Jediah Prendergrast, Chautauqua, 1815 to 1818 ; Isaac Wilson, 1818 to 1821. 
Oliver Forward was the first and only senator from Buffalo under the old 
Constitution, and he served but the fraction of a term during 1821-22. 

Under the Constitution of 1821 the State was divided into eight Senatorial 
Districts, each of which was entitled to four senators, one being elected each 
year ; term of office four years. The Eighth District embraced the counties 
of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, 
Niagara-and Steuben, and the senators were: 



1823. 

1834. 

1835. 
1836. 
1827. 
1838. 
1839. 

1830. 
1831. 



Timothy H. Porter. David Eason, He 
man J. Kedfleld, Joseph Spencer. 

John Bowman (vice Spencer deceased), 
James MeCall. 

Samuel Wilkeson. 

Ethan B. Allen. 

Charles H. Carroll. 

Timothy H. Porter. 

George H. Boughton (vice Carroll re- 
signed). Moses Hayden. 

Albert H.' Tracy. 

Philo C. Fuller (vice Hayden deceased), 
Trumbull Gary. 



1832. John Birdsall. 

1833. John Griffin. 

1834. A. H. Trac-y. 

1835. Chancey J. Fox (vice Birdsall resigned), 

Isaac Lacv. 

1836. Chancey J. Fox. 

1837. Samuel Works. 

1838. William A. Mosely. 

1839. Ilenrv Hawkins. 

1840. Abram Dixon. 

1841. Samuel Works. 

1842. Gideon Hard. 

1843. Harvey Putnam. 



154 



1844. Fred. F. Backus. 

1845. Carlos Emmons. 

1846. Gideon Hard. 

1847. Francis H. Ruggles. 

Under tlie Constitution of 1846 the 
State was divided into tliirty-two 
districts, each of which being enti- 
tled to one senator, and all were 
elected biennially, each odd year. 
* The county of Erie constituted the 
Thirty-flrs't District, and has been 
represented by: 

1848-9. John T. Bush. 

1850-1. George R. Babcock. 

1852-3. George R. Babcock. 



1854-5. 

1856-7. 

1858. 

1859. 

1860-1. 

1862-3. 

1864-5. 

1866-7. 

1868-9. 

1870-1. 

1872-3. 

1874. 

1875. 

1876. 



James O. Putnam. 
James Wadsworth. 
James Wadsworth. 
Erastus S. Prosser. 
E. S. Prosser. 
John Ganson. 
James M. Humphrey. 
David S. Bennett. 
Asher P. Nichols. 
Loran L. Lewis. 
Loran L. Lewis. 
John Ganson. 
A. P. Laning. 
Sherman S. Rogers. 



THE ASSEMBLY. 



Under the first Constitution tlie Assembly Districts were large, eacli em- 
bracing several counties, and tlie counties composed of large sections of tte 
sparsely populated portions of the State. Several members were cliosen from 
each district, and all on a general ticket. Erie county had no immediate rep- 
resentation until the formation of Niagara county in 1808, of which Erie 
formed a part. Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua constituted a district, 
and the representatives thereafter were : 



1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
1813. 
1814. 
1815. 



1816. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 
1822. 



1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 



1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 



Archibald S. Clarke. 

Archibald S. Clarke. 

Archibald S. Clarke. 

Ebenezer Walden. 

Jonas Williams. 

Jonas Williams. 

Joseph McClure. 

In 1815 the district was allowed two 
members thereafter. 

Daniel McCleary, Ehas Osborne. 

Jediah Prendergast, Richard Smith. 

Robert Fleming, Isaac Phelps. 

Isaac Phelps, Philo Orton. 

Elial T. Foot, Oliver Forward. 

Wm. Hotchkiss, Jediah Prendergast. 

Thos. B. Campbell, David Eason. 

The Constitution of 1821 fixed the 
number of Assemblymen at 128, 
permanently. Erie county was cre- 
ated the same year from a portion 
of Niagara and made a separate dis- 
trict, with one member, and the 
representatives have been: 

Ebenezer F. Norton. 

Samuel WilkesOn. 

Calvin Fillmore. 

Reuben B. Heacock. 

In 1826 the district was .allotted an 
additional member thereafter. 

David Burt, Oziel Smith. 

David Burt, Peter B. Porter. 

David Burt, Millard Fillmore. 

Millard Fillmore, Edmund Hull. 

Millard Fillmore, Nathaniel Knight. 

Horace Clark, Wm. Mills. 

Horace Clark, Wm. Mills. 

Joseph Clary, Carlos Emmons. 

Wm. A. Mosely, Ralph Plumb. 

George P. Barker, Wells Brooks. 

Hereafter another member is appor- 
tioned to Erie county. 



1837. Benjamin A. Bivins, S. S. Case, David 

Sheldon. 

1838. Lewis F. Allen, Asa Warren, Cyrenus 

Wilbur. 

1839. J. A. Barker, Truman Cary, Henry 

Johnson. 

1840. S. C. Hawley, Stephen Osborn, Aaron 

Salisbury. 

1841. C. Emmons, S. C. Hawley, S. Osborn. 

1842. Wm. A. Bird, B. H. Colgrove, S. S. Case. 

1843. George R. Babcock, Wells Brooks, J. M. 

Ketchum. 

1844. Daniel Lee, Elisha Smith, Amos Wright. 

1845. J. T. Bush, Truman Dewey, Daniel Lee. 

1846. J. T. Bush, N. K. Hall, James Wood. 

Henceforth Erie is given a fourth 
member. 

1847. O. J. Green, John D. Howe, Horatio 

Shumway, Wm. H. Pratt. 

1848. E. G. Spaulding, Henry Slade, I. E. Irish, 

C. C. Severance. 

1849. Benoni Thompson, Aug. Raynor, Marcus 

McNeal, Luther Buxton. 

1850. Orlando Allen, Elijah Ford, Ira E. Irish, 

Joseph Candee. 

1851. Orlando Allen, William A. Bird, Henry 

Atwood, C. C. Severance. 

1852. I. T. Hatch, Jasper B. Youngs, Aaron 

Riley, Joseph Bennett. 

1853. A. M. Clapp, Wm. T. Bush, Israel N. 

Ely, Nelson Welch. 

1854. W. W. Weed, Rolland Germain, Chas. 

A. Sill, E. N. Hatch. 

1855. W. W. Weed, Daniel Devening, Jr., L. 

D. Corey, S. W. Goddard. 

1856. John G. Deshler, D. Devening, Jr., Jno. 

Clark, Benjamin Maltby. • 

1857. A. J. Tiffany, G. D. W. Clinton, Horace 

Boies, S. C. Adams. 

1858. A. P. Laning, A. J. McNett, John T. 

Wheelock, Amos Avery. 



155 



1859. Daniel Bowen, H. B. Miller, John S. 

King, Wilson Rogers. 

1860. O. Allen, H. B. Miller, Hiram Newell, 

J. H. Plumb. 

1861. S.V. R. Watson, V. M. Rice, B. H. Long, 

Z. Ferris. 

1862. J. W. Murphy, H. Seymour. E. P, Goslin, 

1863. J. W. Murphy, H. Seymour, T. A. Hop- 

kins, A. G. Conger. 

1864. W. W. Stanard, F. P. Stevens, T. A. 

Hopkins, Seth Fenuer. 

1865. W. W. Stanard. Harmon S. Cutting, J. 

G. Langner, E. W. Godfrey. 

1863. Wm. Williams, J. J. L. C. Jewett, John 
G. Langner, Levi Potter. 
After this period Erie county is al- 
lowed five members. 

1867. C. W. Hinson, Wm. Williams, R. L. Bur- 
rows, Alpheus Prince, J. H. Plumb. 



1868. G. J. Bamler, Richard Flach, L. P. Day- 

ton, A. Prince, James Rider. 

1869. G. J. Bamler, P. H. Bender, J. A. Case, 

C. B. Rich, A. C. Calkins. 

1870. G. J. Bamler, Jas. Franklin. A. H. Blos- 

som, H. B. Ransom, Lyman Oatman. 

1871. Geo. Chambers, J. Howell, F. A. Alber- 

ger, H B. Ransom, -1. M. Wiley. 
1873. Geo. Chambers, G. Baltz, Franklin A. 
Alberger, Whitford Harrington, J. M. 
Wiley. 

1873. John O'Brian, Geo. Baltz, F. A. Alber- 

ger, John Nice, R. B. Foot. 

1874. Pat. Hanrahan, Joseph W. Smith, F. A. 

Alberarer, John Nice, R. B. Foot. 

1875. Pat. Hanrahan, W. W. Lawson, E. Gal- 

lagher, H. B. Ransom, W. A. Johnson. 

1876. Daniel Cruice, W. W. Lawson, E. Gal- 

lagher, B. Chaflfee, C. F. Tabor. 



ERIE COUNTY BAR. 



Adams, S. Carey. 
Allen, Jas. A. 
Austin, B. H. 
Avery, T. G. 
Babcock, Geo. R. 
Bacon, E. R. 
Baker, Lyman M. 
Ball, B. T. 
Barton, Hiram. 
Barton, O. F. 
Bartholomew, A. 
Bass, Lyman K. 
Bath, Thos. B. 
Beckwith, Chas. 
Beecher, J. C. 
Benedict, Willis J. 
Bissell, W. S. 
Blanchard, A. A. 
Bowen, Dennis. 
Box. Henry W. 
Bradley, Chester B. 
Brunck, S. U. 
Bryant, Wm. C. 
Burrows, R. L. 
Butler, Jay S. 
Carman, L. 
Clark, D. F. 
Cleveland, G. 
Clinton, Geo. W". 
Clinton, Geo. 
Clinton, Spencer. 
Coe, S. C. 
Cook, Josiah. 
Copeland, D. S. 
Copeland, J. D. 
Corlette, Thos. 
Cothran, Geo. W. 
Cottle, O. O. 
Craiidall, De Forest. 
Cutting, H. S. 
Cutting, Thos. 
Cutler, W. H. 
Cutter, Ammi. 
Daniels, Charles. 
Davis, Thaddeus C. 
Day, David F. 



CITY. 

Day, Hiram C. 
De Witt, O. C. 
Donihee, W. B. 
Dorsheimer, Wm. 
Douglass, S. J. 
Douw, P. J. 
Eeles, J. H. 
Fairchild, J. L. 
Farrington, B. L. 
Fillmore, M. P. 
Finkenstaedt, F. L. 
Fischer, Geo. W. 
Fisher, James H. 
Fitch, Wm. C. 
Fitzgerald, H. D. 
Folsom, Benj. 
Ford, Elijah. 
Ford, Jas. E. 
Fullerton, Jas. C. 
Gardner, John T. 
Germain, C. B. 
Gibbs, Jas. S. 
Goodyear, C. W. 
Gould, S. O. 
Oraves, John C. 
Greene, H. B. 
Greene, John B. 
Greene, Wm. H. 
Gritiwold. E, A. 
Gurney, W. H. 
Haight, Albert. 
Hamlin, C. W. 
Hawkins, O. F. 
Hawkins, Wm. M. 
Hawks, E. C. 
Hennig, Herman. 
Henry, Louis. 
Hibbard, Geo. B. 
Hickman, A. W. 
Hinson, C. W. 
Holmes, Thos. C. 
Hopkins, Nelson K. 
Hopkins, R. W. 
Houghton, A. A. 
Howard, A. A. 
Hudson, J. T. 



I Huetter, Carl. 
I Humphrey, J. M. 

Humphreys, Geo. 

Hubbell, F. H. 

Hubbell, John. 

Hubbell, M. S. 

Ingelhart, F. M. 

Jackson, D. J. 

Johnson, U. S. 

Jones, Wm. L. 

Kennedy, J. H. 

Kingston, Geo. L. 

Lang, Joseph. 

Laning, A. P. 

Lansing, Livingston. 

Lewis, L. L. 

Locke, F. D. 

Lockwood, D. N. 

Lockwood, S. 

Loomis, F. M. 

Lyman, C. M. 

Lyon, Wm. W. 

McMillan, D. H. 

McNeal, N. B. 

March, F. R. 

Marshall, C. D. 

Marshall, O. H. 

Marvin, Geo. L. 

Marvin, Le Grand. 

Matteson. P. A. 

Michael, Edward. 

Millburn, J. G. 

Miller, Warren F. 

Miller, Wm. F. 

Moore, M. B. 

Morey, Norris. 

Morse, F. R. 

Muldoon, J. G. 

Nash, Daniel D. 

Nichols, A. P. 

Norris, John. 

Palmer, B. W. 

Park, C. H. 

Parker, Llewellyn. 

Parker, P. G. 

Parker, W. T. 



156 



Pattison, A. E. 
Patti<on, E C. 
Perkins, E. B. 
Perkins, F. R. 
Perkins, L. P. 
Phelps, Geo. E. 
Plumley, E. J. 
Porter, S. B. 
Potter, Geo. S. 
Putnam, 'as. O. 
Quimby, Geo. T. 
Eead, A. L. 
Rice, A. G. 
Eobbins, E. C. 
Rogers, S. S. 
Romer, J. L. 
Rowley, W. W. 
Saunders, P. D. ] 
Saunders, R. 
Schelling, R. P. 
Scroggs, G. A. 
Seaver, J. V. 
Shearer, J. H. 



Sheehan, M. H. 
Sheldon, James. 
Shepiird, C. C. 
Sherman, R. F. 
Sibley. J. C. 
SiCiird, G. J. 
Sidway, Jonathan. 
Sizer, Thos. J. 
blosson, F. N. 
Smith, Jas. M. 
Smith, Lyman B. 
Smith. W. G. L. 
Spaulding. B. G. 
Sprague, E. Carlton. 
Squier, H. R. 
Stevens, Robt. H. 
Strong, Geo. A. 
Strong, Jas. C. 
Strong, John C. 
TMbor. C. P. 
Talcott, J. L. 
Tanner, \lonzo. 
Thayer, Edwin. 



Thomas, C. J. 
Titus, B. C. 
Tyler, John. 
Vedder, E. B. 
Veile, Sheldon T. 
Wadsworth, Geo. 
Walker, J. L. 
Wardwell, Geo. S. 
Warren. Wm. T. 
Welch, S. M., Jr. 
Welch, T. F. 
Weiiz. James. 
Wheeler, C. B. 
White, Truman C. 
Whitney, M. A. 
Wierline, W. J. 
Willett.'Jas. M. 
Williams, B. H. 
Wilson, R. P. 
Wing, Geo. 
Winship, James. 
Woodworth, W. N. 



Akron— Tahor, Kuss. C. 

Alden—Ewell, Joseph E. 

Aurora— Johnson, W. C, Shearer? Joseph. 

Farnum—'ila.mmon&, W. W. 

Gowanda—Anen, H. F., Torrance, C. C. 

Hamburgh— Calkins, A. C, Thome, Abram. 



TOWNS. 

Lancaster — Romer, J. L., Tabor. C. F. 
Spri7igvilleSeverance, C. C, Stanbro, A. M. 
Ton awancla— Benedict, Willis J., Bush, W. T., 



Young, B. T. 
WiUiamsville—^ggevt, A. W. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



List of the Principals of the Normal, Central and District Schools of the 
city of Buffalo : 



Normal— U. B. Buckham, A. M. 
Central— Hay T. Spencer, A. M. 

DISTBICT SCHOOLS. 

No. 1— A. Z Barrows. 

]\To_ 2— W. L. French. 

No. 3— D. W. Blanchard. 

No. 4— J. W. Barker. 

No. 5— E. L. Chiimberlayne. 

No. 6— Byron F. Pi'att. 

No. r— F. D. Love. 

No. 8— Samuel Slade. 

No. 9— Mrs. S. C. Claraluna. 

Ao. 10— E. E. Fish. 

No. 11— Mrs. H. F. Fuller ton. 

No. la— \V. C. Pomeroy. 

No. 13— W. H. Meads. 

No. 14— Jacob Berry. 

No. 15-William C. Feagles. 

No. 16— Henry F. Fullerton. 



No. 17— Emily J. Hawkins. 

No. 18— Charles W. Colyer. 

No. 19— George H. Stowits. 

No. 20— James A. Roberts. 

No. 21— Mary H. Caughey. 

No. 22— Ezra Welch. 

No. 23— Mrs: Anna H. Pollard. 

No. 24—0. G. Nichols. 

No. 25— Fi-ank S. Fosdick. 

No. 26— J. C. Bump. 

N'o. 27— David Fai-nsworth. 

No. 28— Kate Wilson. 

No. 29— Mrs. M. L. Sage. 

No. 3U— Mrs. Jennie VV. Dyson. 

No. 31 — James I*'. Crocker. 

No. 32— N. G. Benedict. 

No. 33—0. S. Throop. 

No. 34— E. F. Cook. 

No. 35— H. H. Rogers, 

No. 36— A. B. Ellsworth. 



The prevailing style of the school huildiugs belonging to the department 
is shown by the illustrations on the four following pages. 



o 

03 

H 
f> 

H 

C 

w 

i» 
o 

o 

o 

;> 

O 
o 

f 

Q 





H 

Iz; 
m 

Q 

o 

<1 
fa 

fa 




o 

O 
O 

td 
o 
m 

o 

l-H 

& 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 




AT 



FRENCH'S Golden 




iTOf 



Nos. 270 and 272 Main Street, 

May constantly be found a full line of 

LACES, EMBROIDERIES, RIBBONS 

White Goods, Linens, Shawls, 
DRESS GOODS, NOTIONS^ HOSIERY, &c, &c. 



Dress Making Department 



COMPLETE IN EVERY PARTICULAR. 



Under the Skillful Management of Miss DIXON. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



JOHN B. SCHLUND. CHAS. F. DOLL, 

SCHLUND & DOLL, 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN 

SUPERIOR furnitur: 

op: all descriptions, 
Upholstery Goods, Mirrors, Bedding, &c. 

NO. 472 MAIN STREET, OPPOSITE TIFFT HOUSE^ 



All articles oflfered are made from the best material, in the 
best manner, and under the immediate supervision of the 
Proprietors 

Messrs. Schlund & Doll 



are prepared to offer elegant sets for Libraries, Bed-Rooms, 
Parlors, Offices, &c., at the 

LOWEST PRICES. 



Parties from the Country and elsewhere, are invited to call 
and examine their Stock. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



"I DYE TO LIVE." 



THE 



CITY STE/M DYEING /NDCLE/NiG 



ESTABLISH MENT 



The oldest business house of the kind in the City of Buffalo. 



No. 483 MAIN ST., 5 doors above Tifft House. 



LUCAS CHESTER, Proprietor. 



Every description of Dyeing and Cleaning will be done 
in accordance with the latest discoveries and improve- 
ments, and all work warranted. The finest and most 

DELICATE FABRICS 

will be Cleaned or Dyed according to orders, and satis- 
faction guaranteed in all cases. 

LACE CURTAINS 

will be cleaned in such manner as to present the appear- 
ance of new. This department is in charge of a compe- 
tent French lady. 

GENTS' GARMENTS. 

Coats, Pants and Vests Cleaned and Repaired in the 
very best manner. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



BU FFALO 



CRACKER AND BISCDIT BAKER!, 



R. OVENS & SON, Proprietors, 



Nos. 159, 161, 163, 165 and 167 Ellicott Street. 



MANUFACTURERS OF THE CELEBRATED 



AERATED BREAD, 

CRACKERS, all kinds, 

GINGER SNAPS, 
JUMBLES, 

CREAM BISCUIT. 

GRAHAM WAFERS, 

BOSTON BUTTEI^, 
COFFEE BISCUIT, 

CORN HILL BISCUIT, 
IMPERIAL BISCUIT, 

SODA BISCUIT, &c., &c., &c. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



WAGONS, BUGGIES, &c. 



I have on hand, of my own manufacture, made of the 

best material, and in the most thorough and 

workmanlike manner, a large stock of 

Delivery Wagons, 

Lumber Wagons, 
Buggies, 

Sleighs, 

and Cutters. 

The above goods will be sold 
TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT. CHEAPER 

than the same can be purchased in any other 
establishment, and WARRANTED. 



WILLIAM BAYNES, 

Nos. 1502 and 1504 Niagara Street, 
BUFFALO, N. V. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



A. T. KERR & CO 



IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN 



TT r\T 



n 



UIl 



K_J 



CE WINES « LIQU 



r\ 



U 




No. 99 East Seneca Street, 



BUFFALO. 



THE FIRM HAS CONSTANTLY ON HAND 



SUPERIOR WHISKIES, 



WHICH WILL BE OFFERED ON THE MOST FAVORABLE TERMS. 



OLD MONONGAHELA, 



RYE, WHEAT AND MALT, 



BOURBON, &c., &c. 



ALL OF THE BEST AND FINEST QUALITIES, AT THE 



LOW^EST PRICES. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



OLD HARDWARE STORE, 



ESTABLISHED i 8 i 8. 



Dewitt c. weed & CO, 

No. 284 Main Street, corner Swan, 
BUFFALO, N. Y. 




BUILDERS' HARDWARE 



Cutlery, Locks, Shovels, 
Agricultural Implements, 



&c., &c. 



ADVERTISEMENT S 



ISAAC HOLLO WAY, 



CONTRACTOR AND DEALER IN 



Medina Sand Stone 

FLAGGING, CURBING, PLATFORMS^ 

DOOR AND WINDOW-CAPS AND SILLS, 

COMMON, BROKEN AND SQUARE PAVING STONE, 

Building Stone, Water Lime, 

ETC., ETC. 

AT BUFFALO AND ROCHESTER. 

Sidewalks and Paving Laid and Repaired at Short Notice, 
and on Reasonable Terms. 



OFFICE AND YARD IN BUFFALO ON MICHIGAN STREET, 

Near the Exchange Street Depot of the New York Central R. R. Co. 

YARD IN ROCHESTER, BUFFALO ST. 

AT THE CANAL BRIDGE. 



Rochester Address, . Holloway & Normington. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



JEWETT & ROOT, 

RETAIL STOVES and RANGES 



AT THE FOUNDRY, COR, PERRY AND MISSISSIPPI STREETSi 

The system whereby the retailers secured the exclusive control of certain Stoves 
has enabled them to obtain from the citizens of Buflalo 

ENORMOUS PROFITS, 

from which there seemed to be no escape. But we have solved the problem by 

establishing a » 

RETAIL DEPARTMENT 

in our ELKGANT SAMPLE ROOM, formerly reserved for our wholesale trade. 
This Sample Room is the largest and best to be found anywhere in the trade. We 
have added to it a large room which is now completely stocked with Stove Furniture, 
Pipe, Coal Hods, &c., &c. We shall sell our Stoves and Ranges at Foundry prices. 
As Manufacturers, it is our aim to secure but a moderate profit, such as we obtain 
under our ordinary wholesale system. 

BY RETAILING FROM OUR FOUNDRY 

we are free from the rents and other heavy expenses incurred by ordinary retail 
concerns, all of which saving inures directly to the benefit of our patrons. We in- 
vite all to call and inspect the largest assortment of Stoves and Ranges ever dis- 
played at retail — not only the largest, but the best. Our work ranks first. in the 
land ; no Foundry has hitherto produced castings with such lusrrous and smooth 
surfaces. Our stock embraces Cooking and Heating Stoves for any service, and for 
any kind of fuel. Every Range or Stove we guarantee to work successfully, 

OUR PRICES INCLUDE BLACKING AND SETTING UP. We respect- 
fully solicit the patronage of the public. 

The American District Telegraph Co. has offices at 14 West Seneca Street, 15 
West Chippewa Street, and 413 Niagara Street, where orders for our stoves or 
Repairs will be received and instantly transmitted to us, without expense to our 
customers. 



JEWETT & ROOT, 



Cor. Perry and Mississippi Streets. 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 



THE PEOPLE'S 

CASH GROCERY STORE 

Nos. 263 and 265 Washington Street, 
BUFFALO, N. Y. 

BEARD & THYNG, Proprietors. 

Staple and Fancy Groceries of the Choicest QuaHties. 



TEAS 



In Great Variety and of Superior Flavor. 

Canned and Dried Fruits, Sauces, Oysters, 
Sec, Sec, &c. 

GOODS RETAILED AT WHOLESALE PRICES. 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 



PRATT & CO.'S 

Hardware Store 

Terrace Square, BUFFALO, N. Y. 

THE PLACE TO BUY 

SILVER PLATED WARE, 

Table and Pocket Cutlery, 
Scissors and Razors, Single or in Cases, 

Rogers A i Triple Plate Forks and Spoons, 

Buckhorn and Ivory Handled Carving Sets, 

THE FINEST ENGLISH AND AMERICAN GOODS, 

TOOLS FOR MECHANICS, 
Bronze and Silver House Trimmings, 

BUILDERS' SUPPLIES, 
Croquet Sets and Lawn Mowers. 



FIRST CLASS GOODS AND LOW PRICES. 



CALL AND SEE. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



George Roos's 

EXCELSIOR 

BOTTLED LAGER BEER 

PUT UP EXPRESSLY FOR FAMILY USE, 

FOR SALE BY 

JOHN SCHWABL, 

346 Batavia Street, BUFFALO, N. Y. 

PRICE PER DOZEN, 80 Cents. 

For Bottles Lost or Broken, 10 Cents each. 



GEORGE ROOS'S 
XXX LAGER 

Constantly on hand. For sale at the Brewery, Roos Street, 

near Batavia. 



All orders promptly attended to, and delivered to any part 
of the city. 

Orders can also be sent to Brewery Office. 



ADVEETISEMENTS. 



JOSEPH CHURCHYARD, 



BUILDER, LUMBER DEALER 



AND GENERAL CONTRACTOR. 



Clinton Street, cor. of Adams, BUFFALO. 



Sash, Blinds, Doors, Cisterns, Stairs, Hand Rails, Flooring, Moldings, 
Shingles, Lath and Fence Posts, Etc., Etc. 



PARTICULAR ATTENTION PAID TO 



MANTELS, VENEERED DOORS, 

Newels and Curtain Cornices, 



Scroll Sawing, Turning and Machine Work Done. Blacksmiths' and 

Molders' Bellows. 



LUMBER OF ALL KINDS, EITHER ROUGH OR PLANED. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Erie Railway. 




rovig^ mmm mmmim^^''c^^^^^ 



THE ONLY LINE RUNNING 

PULLMAI(S PALACE HOTEL | SLEEPIf COACHES 

THROUGH WITHOUT CHANGE 

Between Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Rochester, 

Buffalo and New York, making direct connection 

with all lines of 

Foreign and Coastwise Steamers 

AND ALSO WITH 

Sound Steamers and Railway Lines, 

FOR 

BOSTON' OLTicL MJEyV JENOLAN'n CITIBS 



2:^= It is 22 miles shorter than any other route between BUFFALO and 
the SEABOARD, and passes through some of the MOST MAGNIFICENT 
SCENERY ON THE CONTINENT. 

The Highest Bridge in America. — Spans the Genesee River at Portage, 
and attracts thousands of visitors. 

BROAD GAUGE! Ample Cars ! Superior Rolling Stock ! STEEL 
RAILS! Quick Time! Safety and Comfort of Passengers, are among the 
features of the road. 



JNO. N. ABBOTT, 

Gen'l Passenger Agent, New York. 



W. C. GOULD, 

Gen'l North. Pass. Agent, Buffalo. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 




WORLD'S DISPENSARY, 

At Nos. 80, 82, 84 and 86 West Seneca Street, cor. of Terrace, 

SUFFA.LO, N. T^. 

Established for the cure of all Chronic (or lingering) Diseases of either Sex, particularly those of 
a Delicate, Obscure, Complicated or Obstinate Character, also for the skillful performance of 
all Surgical Operations, and as a headquarters for Dr. Pierce's Family Medicines is the 
largest establishment of its kind in the world. It is organized with an eminent corps of Physicians and 
Surgeons, each devoting his whole time and attention to some particular branch of practice, by which 
the greatest skill is attained, while R. V. Pierce, M. D., is the Physician and Surgeon-in-chief and is 
consulted m all important cases. Thousands of cases are annually treated, and each has the advantage 
of an educated and eminent Council of Physicians. 

AN IMPORTANT ENTERPRISE. 

We learn that Dr R. V. Pierce, proprietor of the "World's Dispensary," in this city, has perfected 
the purchase of a large lot of land, on which he proposes to erect a large hotel for the accommodation 
of his numerous patients, coming hither from all points of the compass. The land purchased by the 
enterprising Doctor is 234 feet front on Prospect Avenue, running through to -Fargo Avenue, 332 feet; 
also an adjoining lot extending from the above to Connecticut Street. It is in the midst of our exten- 
sive system of public parks, fronts the old and beautiful Prospect Park, is but a short distance from 
the " Circle " in one direction, and the " Lake Front" in the other. The site selected is a iine one, 
being both beautiful and healthful ; is one of the highest portions of our city, easily accessible, yet suffi- 
ciently retired to secure quiet, and commands a pleasant view of the lake and river, as well as of the 
surrounding city and country. We understand that it is the intention of Dr. Pierce to erect a hotel at 
the cost of at least two hundred thousand dollars, where those who come to enjoy the benefit of his 
treatment may find all desired accommodations under one roof, instead of being scattered over the city, 
as at present. We are further given to understand that our architects will be invited to submit plans for 
the proposed structure without delay — Bziffalo Express. 

DR, PIERCE'S FAMILY MEDICINES. 

If you would patronize Medicines, scientifically prepared by a skilled Physician and Chemist, use 
Dr. Pierce's Family Medicines. Golden Mediral Discovery is. nutritious, tonic, alterative, or 
blood cleansing, and an unequaled cough remedy ; Pleasant, Piirgative Pellets, scarcely larger than 
mustard seed, constitute an agreeable and reliable physic ; Favorite Perscription, a remedy for debili- 
tated females; Extract of Smart-Weed, a magical remedy for pain, bowel complaints, and an un- 
equaled liniment for both human and horse flesh ; while his Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy is known the 
world over as the greatest specific for Catarrh and " Cold in the Head " ever given to the public, 

R. V. PIERCE, M. D., 

Proprietor, BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Adam. Meldrum & Anderson, 



Importers, Jobbers and Retailers of 




i|i F Jill mil In H n ^ ■■ J a h IP ii lU iii !_■■' ^ " h"' 



u'^'Hs^iaMiii'iniiii 



, A aiu A, f, 16 , fl , ill, 
in Hi fill 11 II ' iljilil 

|;^M>MvSH'^04'l!l^^l! 

t=w !u H ]ii% I n RH |ii|, lii'Ki f ln| 11 11 l^-m 



A 



A^ll JFt 



51 , 

'I' ST < 



Pilii 



,•_ a. — "^Ss. 



.^ ? ^i^' 



^^^2^^ 



Dry Goods and Carpets 



396, 398, 400 and 402 Main St., 



American Block. BUFFALO, N. V. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



The Courier Company, 



Publishers and Proprietors of the 



Daily Courier 

SIX ISSUES PER WEEK, $io.oo per annum. 

SEVEN ISSUES PER WEEK, $12.00 per annum. 

SUNDAY ISSUE, $2.50 per annum. 



THE WEEKLY COURIER, 

Published every Wednesday, $1.50 per annum. 

THE EVENING REPUBLIC, 

$5.00 per annum, or single copies 2 cents. 

Subscriptions invariable in advance, — Terms of Advertising made known 
at the Counting Room. 



iljij 



MIMTED PRINTIN 



J 



FOR CIRCUSES, MENAGERIES, 



MINSTREL TROUPES, THEATRES, ETC., IN GREAT VARIETY, AND THE 
BEST STYLES. ALSO 



POSTERS: 

One or more colors, or any number of sheets. 

PROGRAMMES: 

Any size, plain or otherwise. 



STREAMERS: 

Any sized type and any length, plain 
or in colors. 

CUTS: 

In one or more colors, and any size. 



TABLET S. -Any size or color. 

OUR STOCK OF 

TYPES, CUTS, BORDERS, ORNAMENTS, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

Is very large, and of the latest styles. In addition to which we have a Corps of first-class 
Artists continually employed in Engraving new designs of every description. 

For Descriptive Circular and Prices, address 

.rsS,SS.. THE COURIER COMPANY, 

No. 197 Main and 202 and 204 Washington Sts., BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 



JNO. KERNAHAN. WM. M. BLOOMER. 

KERNAHAN & BLOOMER 

ARE PREPARED TO EXECUTE 

Hardwood Finishing 

in all its various branches, including refinishing and polishing of HOUSEHOLD 

FURNITURE, PIANOS, and everything pertaining to the varnishing 

and polishing business. An experience of over 23 years in the 

business, enables us to guarantee satisfaction. 

VARHISHIHG AND POLISHING. GRAINED WORK VARNISHED. GIL FINISHING, FRENCH POLISHING 
AND HALL AND WALL PAPER VARNISHED. 

Furniture and Pianos Repolished, 

without removal of or damage to Carpets, and at a much less cost than that 

charged by the first-class furniture houses. We refer to 

Cooky S. Chapin. 
Robert Denton. 
Chas. H. Utley. 



Dennis Bowen. 
C. H. DeForest. 
N. C. Simons. 



Geo. S. Wardwell. 
John Walls. 
John C. Post. 



Hon. A. P. Laning. 
Ambrose Clark. 
P. J. Hanour. 



KERNAHAN & BLOOMER, 

No. 38 Eleventh, or 
238 North Division streets, 



(^uffjlLO, jsr, ir. 



GEORGE ROOS'S 




E m Exchange Stab 



1 



ROOS ST., near Batavia, adjoining Roos's Brewery, 



BTIFFJlLO, n. ^. 



HORSES AND MULES 



CoThstantly on KcLixd, for Sale ot ^Es^cKctrbge. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



MOSES SMITH, 

BANKER and BROKER 

179 MAIN STREET, two doors north of Exchange. 

Accounts of banks, bankers and individuals received, and 
interest paid on current accounts and special deposits as per 
agreement. 

Gold and Silver Coin and Canadian Currency bought and sold. 

Collections made on all points. 

Business paper negotiated. 

Drafts on Europe negotiated. 

Drafts on Europe issued in sums from one pound upward. 

Special attention paid to orders for investment. 

JOHN C. POST, 

Importer, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in 

PAINTS, OILS, GLASS 

POLISHED PLATE GLASS A SPECIALTY. 

ARTISTS' AND WAX FLOWER MATERIALS, &c. 
No. 16 East Swan and 528 Seneca Street, 

Glazing done to order. BUFFALO, N. Y, 

FINE ART MIRROR EMPORIUM. 



EDWARD FAY, 

DEALER IN 

Paintings, Chromos, Steel Engravings, 

LITHOGRAPH AND FANCY FRAMES. 

Manufacturer of Picture Frames and Cornices. 

No. 409 Main Street, (^ U JB" F A. L O , JST. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



CHARTERED 1867. 



StcuteTrtent JcLTtTLCLry 1st, 1876, 

Buffalo Germa:^ 

insurance company, 

OF BUFFALO, N. Y. 



CASH CAPITAL, ..... $200,000.00 

RESERVE FOR RE-INSURANCE, 116,822.37 

RESERVE FOR UNPAID LOSSES, 8,859.35 

NET SURPLUS OVER ALL LIABILITIES, 323,278.61 

$648,960.33 



O F F IC JE RS : 

PHILIP BECKER, President. JULIUS FUCHS, Vice-President. 

■ OLIVER J. EGGERT, Secretary. FREDERICK C. HAUPT, Ass't Sec'y. 
GEORGE A. REINHARDT, Gen' I Agent. 



MILLINERY GOODS. 



Tfte Ladries of BcLffaZo -will/tnd a, IcLTge cmd. 
■well selectecl stock of 

MILLINERY, 

At the new and elegant store of 

WILLIAM WRIGHT, 

No. II North Division Street, 
First Door from Main. BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



J. B. SACKETT, 

UNDERTAKER 

174 PEARL STREET, . BUFFALO, N. Y. 

(Next door to the Skating Rink.) 

Keeps constantly on hand a large and well selected stock of CASKETS, COFFINS, 
and all other articles connected with the business of undertaking, of the 
latest improved styles and patterns, and of superior workman- 
ship and finish. His outfit of 

HEARSES AND CARRIAGES 

IS COMPLETE, . . ' 

AND NONE BUT THE BEST WILL BE SUPPLIED. 

OFFICE OPEN DAY AND NIGHT. 

THE 

FRANKLIN HOUSE, 

M. WITBECK, . . Proprietor. 
Cor. of Seneca and Ellicott Sts., BUFFALO. 

THE OLDEST HOTEL IN THE CITY. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



Buffalo Steam Coffee and Spice Mills. 



TEAS, 



GEO. W. HAYWARD, 

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DEAI.-ER IN 

NEW YORK CHEESE, BUTTER AND DRIED FRUITS, 

305 and 307 Washington Street, DIICirAI A M V 
Cor. South Division, DUrrALU, IN . I . 

Constantly in stock, a fine, fresh assortment of TEAS, COFFEES, SPICES and 

GROCERS' GOODS. 

COFFEES ROASTED AND GROUND HOURLY. 

The attention of the Trade is respectfully invited. 

POWELL & PLIMPTON, 

( Successors to Harries, Powell & Co. ) 
^A/^HOLESALE 

GROCERS I DRUGGISTS, 

and dealers in patent medicines, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

E. HARRIES' BAKING POWDER, 



No. 224 Main Street, BUFFALO. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



CHOICE 

TOBACCO AND CIGARS, 



JAMES KNIGHT, 

No. i8 East Seneca Street, . . BUFFALO, N. Y. 

MANUFACTURER AND WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER. 

All the popular brands of Foreign and Domestic Cigars, 
Smoking and Chewing Tobaccos, Pipes of all varieties, &c., &c. 

CHOICE OLD LIQUORS. 



JOHN R. FERO, 

IMPORTER AND DEALER IN 

SUPERIOR LIQUORS. 

On hand at all times, the finest brands of 

Rye, Scotch, Irish and Bourbon 
WHISKI ES. 

All of superior quality, and unsurpassed in this market. 
NosTan^d^pTafsWeee. BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



FRANK A. SEARS, 

Grain Commission Merchant, 

AND DEALER IN 

BARLEY AND MALT, 

Nos. II and 13 Dayton Street. 
BUFFALO, N. Y. 

ROBERT H. WASS. W. H. McGILLIVRAY. HENRY S. WALKER. 

WASS, McGILLIVRAY & WALKER, 

GENERAL 

INSURANCE AGENCY, 

64 Main St., BUFFALO, N. Y. 



First Class Fire and Marine Companies Represented. 
Losses Adjusted and Promptly Paid at this Agency. 



;i 1,000,000 ASSETS REPRESENTED. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



JOHN R. MUNROE, 

Builder n^^ Contractor 

No. 925 DELAWARE STREET, 
BUFFALO. 



Estimates and Plans furnished on the Shortest Notice. 



Residence, Bryant Street, near Dela-yvare. 



THE ATLAS HOTEL 

(COMPANY LIMITED.) 

Philadelphia, Pa. 

Fifty-second Street and Elm Avenue. 
THE EDUCATORS' CENTENNIAL HEADQUARTERS. 



Conducted on the European Plan, with accommodations for 4,000 guests. 
Chiirges, One Dollar per day. House, furniture, and all its appointments en- 
tirely new. 

Tickets, good for date stated on their face, will be sent by mail on receipt of cash 
or Post Office order, or by Express, payable C. O D. Special attention is called 
to this arrangement, as it enables any and all patrons to engage rooms in advance. 
Care must be taken to state date on which accommodation is required, and not 
postpone application too late. 

J'OHN CItTIMF, 

Of Atlas Hotel (Co. limited), Philadelphia, 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



BROEZEL'S HOTEL 




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Corner Seneca and Wells Streets, BUFFALO, N. Y. 

The Proprietor has fitted up his new Hotel with all the most improved and 
modern facilities. Being only two minutes walk from the Railroad Depots, 
makes it the most desirable and convenient Hotel in the city. The charges are 
moderate, and treatment courteous. 



FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE. 

^TNA 

INSURANCE COMPANY, 

OF HARTFORD, Conn. 

INCORPORATED 1819. 1 L. J. HENDEE, President 

CHARTER PERPETUAL. | J. GOODNOW, Secretary. 

PAID UP CAPITAL, $3,000,000^ 

( Three Millions of Dollars.) 

ASSETS JANUARY ist, 1876, $6,792,649.98 

LIABILITIES — Claims not due, and unadjusted, $246,385.50 

Losses Paid in 56 Years, $44,000,000 

The undersigned would solicit from the citizens of Buffalo and vicinity, a continuance of their 
confidence and patronage in the above sound and reliable company. 
eS" All Losses promptly adjusted and paid at this office. 

E. P. DORR, Agent. 

Office in iETNA BUILDINGS, first floor, corner Lloyd and Prime streets. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



J. D. DUDLEY. J. P- DUDLEY. 

:Emfire Oil TVor^ks. 



DUDLEY & CO. 



MANUFACTURERS OF 



LUBRICATING AND ILLUMINATING 

"^Es^O I L S .-^^e- 

No. 55 Main street, BUFFA LO, N. V. 



i MILLER FARM, Pa. 

MANUFACTORIES, \ AND 

OHIO BASIN, BUFFALO. 



ESTABLISHED 1852 



JOHN D. SMITH & CO. 

No. 51 Pearl Street. 

PLUMBERS, GAS AND STEAM FITTERS, 

GAS CHANDELIERS A SPECIALTY. 

MANUFACTURERS OF STEAM AND HOT WATER HEATING APPARATUS. 

A complete stock of IRON AND BRASS GOODS for Water, Gas and 
Steam. HEALTH ! MONEY ! COMFORT !— Tingley's Automatic Heat 
Governor can be attached to any Hot Air Furnace, new or old. Call and examine. 

GOLD'S HYGEAN I SANITARY HEATERS 

HEAT EQUAL TO STEAM, AT ONE-HALF THE COST. 

J'OJZJV^ D. SMITH ^ CO., Jigercts, 

No. 51 PEARL STREET. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



DAVID W. BURT, 

BANKERIBROKER 

GOLD, SILVER AND CANADA MONEY 

BOUGHT AND SOLD. 

DRAFTS SOLD UPON ALL THE PRINCIPAL CITIES OF EUROPE. 

Also, PASSAGE TICKETS TO ALL PARTS OF 

EUROPE AND THE CONTINENT. 

Collections made upon oil parts of the United States and Canada. 
OFFICE, COR. MAIN AND SENECA STS., BUFFALO, N. Y. 



C. W. MILLER'S 

OMNIBUS ^ BAGGAGE EXPRESS COMPANY. 

OFFICE, NO. 401 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO. 

RAILROAD TICKETS SOLD ON ALL ROADS, 

And Baggage Checked from Residence and Hotels. 

Diagrams of Drawing-Room and Sleeping Cars seen and Tickets Sold. 

Baggage or Freight called for at Hotels, Stores or Residences, for all Trains or Boats. Special 
Contracts made with Theatrical Troupes 

Our Messengers are on Trains coming into Buffalo, and will receive Checks for and deliver Bag- 
gage of all kinds to any part of the City immediately on arrival of Trains. 

4^ All orders left at our office, will receive prompt attention. 

T. TOWERS, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 

BOOTSandSHOES, 

ONE PRICE. NO DEVIATION. 

No. 394 MAIN ST., AMERICAN BLOCK, 

BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



Travellers Insurance Co. 

HARTFORD, CONN. 
Incorporated for the purpose of effecting all kinds of 

LIFE OR ACCIDENT INSURANCE. 



CASH ASSETS, $3,750,00000 

SURPLUS, 1,300,000.00 

LOSSES PAID, . . . . . . 3,000,000.00 

ACCIDENT POLICIES. 

Tliey are written for the month or year. 

They instu'e men of all occupations and professions. 

They insure against general accidents. 

They cost but a small sum. ., 

Their cost is the same, all ages from i8 to 65. 

They are valuable to all classes of men. 

"Every day there are fresh proofs of the great value of life insurance. It is beneficent, without being 
charitable. It confers a right, which is better than charity. Real life insurance does not offer to take 
up a collection at your (unsral - \i ^narau/ees to pay the sum named in the contract. The life compa- 
nies of this country are I'aying upwards of a million and a half every month to the families of deceased 
policy-holders. It saves widows from poverty, and orphans from suffering. It is to be regarded as a 
protection rather than as an investment. Yet in the vicissitudes of business it often proves 10 be the best 
investment, even in a merely pecuniary point of view. It doesn't make money, but it is first rate for 
saving 'w." 

NATHANIEL HALL & CO,, Agents, BUFFALO, N. Y. 



STEVENS BROS., 

J EAVE LE RS 

No. 459 Main Street, Tifft House Block, 
BUFFALO. 

Fine SWISS and AMERICAN WATCHES, CLOCKS, 

BRONZES, SOLID SILVER and PLATED WARE, 

OPERA GLASSES, GOLD-HEADED CANES, 

&c., &c. 

For cleansing, without injury, Silver Plated Ware, Britannia Ware, Wliite Metal, 
&c., nothing ever offered to the public equals 

Stevens Bros.' Cleanser. 

6^ WATCHES AND JEWELRY REPAIRED. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



GEORGE W. SCOTT, 

WHOLESALE 

GROCER AND FROIT DEALER 



17 East Seneca St., BUFFALO, N. Y. 

Offers for sale at Popular Prices a large stock of STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES, Sugars, 

Syrups, Molasses, Spices, Coffees, Oswego Pure Starch, Halford Table Sauce, E. R. Durkee 

& Go's Pure Select Spices, a large invoice of 

Green, Black and Japan Teas 

Just received by Mail Steamer Pacific of THE FINEST GRADES. Buyers will find it an object 
to examine my stock before making their purchases. 

CASH PAID FOR ALL KINDS OF COUNTRY PRODUCE. 



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Engines and Boilers, 5 to 150 Horse Power, 

Iron Fronts, Architectural, Mill and Machinery Castings, Hoisting Gear, Propeller Wheels, &c. 

GEO. W. TIFFT, SONS & CO., BUFFALO, N. Y. 



ADVERTISEMENTS 



ALEX. H. BROWN. 

BRASS FOUNDRY 

Brass and Iron Finishing, Copper, Tin and Sheet Iron Worker, 
Nos. i6, i8, and 20 Elk Street, BUFFALO, N. Y. 




MANUFACTURER OF 

Pumps, Hose, Hydrants and Stop Valves, all kinds of Brass 
Cocks, Globe Valves, Steam Whistles, &c. 

Water and Steam Gauges. Cash paid for Old Copper and Brass. Distillers' and 
Brewers' Work. Agent for the Huntoon Steam Governor. 

JOBBING PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO 

Teeth Extracted Positively without Pain, 

By a perfectly safe and pleasant process. No Gas nor Chloroform used, both are dangerous. Beautiful 
set of Gum Teeth, on either Whalebone, Rubber or Celluloid bases, for $15. Gold fillings a specialty, 
and all work warranted at the Up-towu Dental Rooms of DR. F. C. LONGNECKER, 539 Main 
Street, comer Genesee. 

H. C. MARSH, News Dealer, 

No. 532 MAIN STREET. 

Books, Stationery, Imported and Domestic CIGARS. N. B. — Agent for the Celebrated KNIFE 
BOX PLEATING MACHINE. 

JOHN O'BRIAN, Justice of the Peace, 

No. 7 TERRACE. 

L. P. BEYER, & CO., Plumbers, 

No. 21 W^. EAGLE STREET. 

GEO. G. NEWMAN, Justice of the Peace, 

No. 183 MAIN STREET. 

WM. H. ALBRO, Justice of the Peace, 

No. 180 MAIN STREET. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



T. & E. DICKINSON, 

J K WE LE RS 

254 Main St. DUrrALU, N. 1. 254 Main St. 

DEALERS IN 

Fine Watches, Diamonds, Solid Silver and Plated Ware, 

Genuine Bronze Clocks and Ornaments, Fine French 

Marble and Alabaster Clocks, Fine Stone Cameo, 

Coral and Onyx Jewelry. 

OUR GOLD CHAINS 

Are of the best quality, and we sell at the lowest price, quality considered. 

OUR SOLID SILVER 

Is x%°o*ij fine, and equal in beauty and design to any ware in the country. We keep 

a full assortment of Fine Bank, Office, Hall, Library and House Clocks. Also 

a full and complete assortment of Lazarus it Morris' Perfected Spectacles 

and Eye Glasses. Glasses ground to SUIT ALL SIGHTS ON 

SHORT NOTICE. Clocks, Watches and Jewelry 

Neatly Repaired and Warranted. 

254 MAIN STREET. 

H. WEBSTER. D. J. WEBSTER. 

WEBSTER & CO. 

, Wholesale and Retail Dealers in 

Choice Family Groceries 

Manufacturers 01 

PURE BAKING POWDER, &c. 



No. 9 Seneca Street, Buffalo, N. Y. 



BARNES, B^A^NCT^OFT <fe CO 




IMPORTERS, JOBBERS AND RETAILERS 

DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, CARPETS, ETC 

380, 363, 36<t AND 3ea MAIN ST., BTJU-yALO, N. Y. 



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